Paralloy Group celebrates first anniversary of Manoir takeover

The future of more than 550 Manoir employees had been uncertain until Paralloy’s acquisition.

This included Hi-Tech Fabrication, a UK business with 65 Burton-on-Trent employees.

Over the year, Paralloy’s senior staff have worked closely with their new French colleagues to develop best practice.

Paralloy Group’s chief executive officer, Robert McGowan, said: “Our UK and French colleagues have worked so well together to create a world class team at all levels of the group.

“It has been such an honour and privilege to lead this major development in our exciting journey of growth.

“I am proud of what we are building and excited about the future.”

Teesside-based Paralloy and Manoir both cast precision steel components for heavy industries including petrochemical, aerospace, and defence.

Manoir also has a foothold in France’s nuclear power sector.

Managers and union representatives celebrated the anniversary in Normandy by serving food and drink to Manoir employees.

Mr McGowan said: “We took the time this week to pause and look back on a remarkable year full of challenges but also many wins and so much progress.”

The celebration in France followed a similar event in Middlesbrough last month, where Paralloy was honoured with the King’s Award for International Trade.

Since the change of ownership less than six years ago, Paralloy’s revenues have increased by £30 million to £230 million.

The number of employees in Middlesbrough, Billingham, and Sheffield has risen from 220 to 560.

More than 90 per cent of its specialist stainless steel products are exported.

Paralloy is now ranked second in Europe and third in the world in its sector.

Mr McGowan predicted: “The best is yet to come.”

He highlighted the company’s growth despite a series of global economic disruptions, including Brexit, Covid, soaring inflation, the energy crisis, and President Trump’s tariffs.

He added: “We should recognise that there are not many companies around who have been able to grow consistently year after year in this context.”