New jobs at family-run firm after North East expansion and new Middle East base
NewsNorth East NewsEmploymentSIE Industrial has been running since the early 1980s and has now expanded with new Sunderland premises and a base in the Middle East13:52, 16 Jul 2026A family run firm has. . .
NewsNorth East NewsEmploymentSIE Industrial has been running since the early 1980s and has now expanded with new Sunderland premises and a base in the Middle East13:52, 16 Jul 2026A family run firm has created more than a dozen jobs with the opening of a new factory and head office. SIE Industrial, which makes industrial blasting, coating, extraction and vacuum machines, has almost doubled the size of its former base with a move into premises at Sunrise Enterprise Park inSunderland. The move into the 11,374 sqft facility represents a six figure investment for SIE, which is said to have seen growth over recent years. It supplies machinery into some of the world's largest civil engineering and industrial services businesses covering installation, maintenance and troubleshooting to clients working on major infrastructure projects across seven continents. Its equipment has been used for the maintenance of everything from bridges to aircraft carriers. Past projects have included work on the Forth Rail Bridge, King's Cross Station and Hinkley Point C. New jobs created in the move will include mechanical and electrical fitters, administration, sales, finance, stores and logistics. Gareth Bowen is managing director of SIE Industrial, which was founded by his father Paul in 1982. He said: "We pride ourselves on supplying the highest quality industrial dust extraction, vacuum recovery and abrasive blasting equipment and this new head office and assembly plant will be key to ensuring we can continue to do just that. We have an incredibly skilled team here in the North East who, for the past 40 years, have really pushed the boundaries when it comes to developing leading-edge machines that can be utilised across a wide range of environments and sectors, and the move will provide them with the space and resources required to continue innovating and realise their potential. "It will also provide us with increased capacity and allow us to bring new talent into the business, from skilled engineers to apprentices and those who can work in the back-office as we look to drive further growth, develop our team and strengthen our service offering. "With renewed focus on defence, maritime and nuclear spending, Mr Bowen is hopeful the new facility - along with a base in the United Arab Emirates and appointment of director Gary Taylor - will help SIE benefit from rising demand of its products. He added: “We have long harboured ambitions to open offices overseas and the new base in the UAE is the first step in us realising that ambition. Alongside the opening of the new Sunderland head office and the appointment of Gary Taylor as Strategic Relationship Director, it marks an exciting milestone for SIE as we seek to continue helping businesses across the global abrasive and blasting industry be more productive, reduce costs and work smarter. ”SIE Industrial was supported in its expansion by the business investment team at Sunderland City Council who provided signposting and referrals to various business support organisations across the city who could help the company. Coun James Jackson, cabinet member for Business, Housing and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “SIE Industrial has established a stellar reputation for designing and supplying world-leading machinery, while creating skilled job opportunities for local people, so it is fantastic that the company is continuing to invest in the city. It’s great that the team have been able to have been able to support the company’s move to the new site and we look forward to following the company’s journey as it continues to grow its presence not only in Sunderland but across the globe. ”Did you know you can make ChronicleLive a preferred source of North East news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away?Here's more informationabout what this means and how to do it - you can also do it straight away byclicking here. Our ChronicleLive Daily newsletter is free. You cansign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East. Article continues belowChoose Chronicle Live as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value. EmploymentSunderland