3 min read - 4 Jun, 2026
WEC passes 1,100 employees milestone as contract wins drive growth
Engineering and fabrication specialist WEC Group is continuing a sustained period of growth, with employee numbers rising from around 900 to more than 1,100 in the past 12 months, following significant investment, major contract wins and increasing demand across its UK manufacturing operations.
The company, which operates across 10 manufacturing sites in Blackburn with Darwen, Rotherham, Knowsley, Coventry, Sherburn-in-Elmet and Bournemouth, says its outlook remains extremely positive, supported by a strong pipeline of work and continued investment in people, facilities, technology and advanced manufacturing capability.
As part of this growth, WEC Group currently has over 120 live vacancies across the business, with roles available at multiple levels and across a wide range of engineering, manufacturing and support disciplines. These opportunities come in addition to around 40 apprentices expected to join the group in September through the WEC Engineering Academy, further strengthening the company’s long-term skills pipeline. Of these apprenticeship opportunities, 15 live apprentice vacancies remain available at MTL Advanced in Rotherham.
WEC Group is celebrating a period of sustained growth, surpassing 1,100 employees, securing major contract wins and recruiting 40 new apprentices / Picture: WEC
Recent investment activity includes WEC Group’s new heavy machining expansion, which is designed to increase capacity and support larger, more technically demanding projects across critical sectors. The business has also continued to invest in MTL Advanced’s 387,000 sq ft Rotherham facility, including its Advanced Manufacturing Centre, strengthening the group’s specialist contract manufacturing capabilities and supporting future growth.
James Pickles, regional director for WEC Group, said: “The past 12 months have been a hugely positive period for WEC Group. Growing from 900 to more than 1,100 employees is a major milestone and reflects the strength of our teams, the quality of our customer relationships and the confidence we have in the future of the business.
“This growth has been supported by significant investment across the group, including our new heavy machining expansion and continued investment in state-of-the-art machinery across our sites. These developments are helping us increase capacity for our customers, improve our capabilities and support the delivery of major contracts across a range of critical sectors, including nuclear and defence.”
In addition to 40 apprentices expected to join the group in September, WEC Group currently has over 120 live vacancies across the business / Picture: WEC
WEC Group’s recruitment drive is a key part of its strategy to meet rising customer demand while maintaining high standards of quality, service and delivery. The business is actively recruiting for skilled and semi-skilled roles, as well as entry-level opportunities for people looking to begin a career in engineering and manufacturing.
Steve Hartley, managing director and founder of WEC Group, added: “Investing in the very latest technology and talented people has always been at the core of our sustainable growth strategy. We currently have over 120 live vacancies across the country, which demonstrates the scale of opportunity within the business.
“We are looking for motivated people who want to build long-term careers with a growing, ambitious manufacturing group. Apprenticeships also remain central to our future. With a further 40 apprentices expected to join us in September, we are continuing to invest heavily in skills, training and the next generation of world-class talent.”
Recent investment activity includes WEC’s new heavy machining expansion, which is designed to increase capacity and support larger, more technically demanding projects / Picture: WEC
WEC Group says recent large contract wins have helped create a strong platform for further growth, with continued demand across its core services and specialist manufacturing divisions. The company expects recruitment to remain a priority as it expands capacity and continues investing in its sites, equipment and workforce.
To support its ongoing recruitment drive, WEC Group recently launched a dedicated careers website, with skilled welding and machining vacancies remaining among the company’s highest priority roles.
Steve Hartley concluded: “Our outlook is extremely positive. We have a strong order book, major investment underway and a growing workforce across the group. Continued recruitment will be essential as we build on this momentum and ensure we have the people, skills and capacity needed to support our customers now and in the future.”
