Aberdeenshire-based steel and metalwork specialist KR Group has reported over £1 million in revenue from energy industry fabrication contracts in the last 18 months. To meet this growing demand for their specialist engineering capabilities, the firm has invested a six-figure sum in advanced fabrication technology, set to be the first of its kind in Scotland.
This strategic investment reflects KR Group’s ongoing commitment to delivering for existing clients across multiple sectors, but also to meeting the rigorous demands of the wider energy sector. Aside from their well-known structural projects, the company has completed an extensive range of projects for the energy industry. These include creating bespoke steel storage solutions and metal components, the design, fabrication and erection of test cells, and the fabrication and installation of crane and gantry steel.
The new advanced robotic equipment – the LayoutMaster Projection system – is an augmented reality fitting assistant which will automate the steel fabrication process. Projecting all the information that an operator needs to precisely tack-weld connections on the beam or on other connections, the system allows KR Group to undertake significantly larger projects, handling a diverse range of specifications, and tailored solutions for projects of varying scale and complexity.
Originating from Canada, the equipment is set to increase KR Group’s weekly steel fabrication capacity up to 150 tonnes, reducing lead times, and helping energy clients to meet tight project deadlines while reducing costs. By streamlining the production process in this way, the new system will deliver multiple efficiencies, including competitive pricing, energy savings and a reduction in waste. It also aligns with KR Group’s sustainability goals by reducing wastage and delivering on energy efficiency. The business has been widely commended for its commitment to QHSE values and maintains EN1090 (Ex. Class3); PAS2060; ISO9001, 14001 and 45001 UKAS accreditations.
The business’s directors expect that the new equipment will help alleviate the current skills shortage among fabricators, a widespread concern in the steel and metalwork industry. By positioning themselves as a forward-thinking, technologically advanced company, they hope to attract more talent to join their team.
KR Group’s highly skilled welders will operate the cutting-edge equipment to ensure that fabricated components are produced with optimum accuracy, precision and consistency, crucial for high-stakes energy projects including offshore platforms, wind farms and power plants.
This new kit will enhance the company’s existing workshops, which already includes a new drill line and complete suite of machinery for sheet metal fabrication of products such as louvres, flashings, insulted gutters and a host of other sheet metal solutions.
KR Group’s Business Director, Nicola Fraser, said:
“Breaking through the £1million mark for fabrication in energy projects is hugely gratifying for our whole team. This latest investment is a clear signal that we are always innovating to improve our service offering for existing clients, as well as companies in the energy sector, with their requirements for increased production. As demand continues to rise in the energy sector for efficient, high-quality, and scalable fabrication, KR Group is well-placed to meet the evolving needs of the industry across a wide range of general and bespoke steel and metal fabrication projects.
“While we are well-known as problem-solvers, with an impressive depth and breadth of engineering expertise, this is less known than our construction and structural capabilities. We’re equipped to deliver bespoke projects with a diverse range of specifications alongside standard fabricated components such as brackets, plates, and sheet metal products. These items can be supplied with or without installation services to energy industry contractors for integration into larger assemblies, for both onshore and offshore applications.”
KR Group has also recently been short-listed for the 2024 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards, in recognition of the firm’s commitment to sustainability. They are the only North-east firm to be selected in the ‘Circular Scotland’ category of the prestigious awards scheme, which champions the link between economic success and environmental sustainability.
