Boilermaker £500K investment

Published:  10 April, 2015

Cochran is investing £500k in new plant for its Annan manufacturing facility. In addition the company’s work force has continued to grow and now has 20 engineering apprentices currently in training (approximately 10% of the workforce). Cochran apprentice Thomas Thomson was awarded the UK apprentice of the year, by ICOM, the industrial boiler and burner trade body.

The company has been manufacturing industrial steam and hot-water boilers at its factory, in Annan, SW Scotland, since 1898. Despite the economic turmoil of recent years the company has seen increased demand for its services and products, both domestically and overseas. Cochran products were exported to over 40 countries in 2014.

It is currently completing the installation and commissioning of a state of the art cutting machine. The plasma cutting head of this machine will enable boiler plate of up to 50mm thickness to be cut 4 times faster than previously. It will also cut to tighter tolerances and accuracy, (accuracy to within 0.5mm can be achieved), thus further increasing the quality and integrity of the finished boiler plant.

Tom Ritchie, managing director, commented: “ We are delighted to be making such a significant investment in our plant and our people at this time. I came into the business as an apprentice and fully appreciate the benefits and development opportunities that a good apprenticeship scheme can provide.”

He added: “The investment in the new cutting machine is a major commitment to enhance the next 20 years of boilermaking in Annan, and will help us to further develop the quality and competitiveness required in the global boiler market.”