WILTON Group has welcomed the latest business to establish itself on its extensive 54 acre Port Clarence facility.

Tees Valley Inspection (TVI) joins Wilton Engineering, Universal Coatings and recent arrivals Stobart Energy, which opened its wood management centre on the site in September.

The business – which carries out Non Destructive Testing (NDT) – was formed in May by friends David Dakers and Pat Prior, both of whom have decades of experience in NDT analysis techniques.

TVI undertakes the testing and inspection of materials, welds, components and structures without destroying or harming their integrity.

It carries out all forms of NDT, including radiography and ultrasonics, across a wide range of industries, including mechanical engineering, petro-chemicals, oil & gas, civil engineering and the renewables sector.

In the case of pipework, the techniques allow defects and flaws to be quickly detected and repaired, avoiding potentially costly failures. It also works on a variety of projects ranging from coatings and vessels to bridges, both during the fabrication process and in situ.

In its first six months, the company has recruited 19 people and expects to grow the workforce during 2019 after securing ISO standards in quality, environmental and health and safety management systems.

TVI, which is on target to achieve a turnover of £1.5m in its first year, has already secured a number of contracts – including a major five-year deal to provide highly-trained inspectors for a major company.

It is also preparing to further expand its capabilities when it installs a radiography compound at its workshop next month.

Mr Dakers has extensive experience within the industry, having previously been Operations Director for a blue chip company after it bought out the firm he founded 13 years earlier.

After leaving his previous position, he teamed up with Pat and the pair approached Wilton Group chief executive, Bill Scott, as they searched for suitable business premises. Fortunately, he was able to offer them both office and workshop space on the vast Port Clarence site.

Mr Dakers said: “Both Pat and I are confident TVI will achieve great success as it establishes itself within the industry.

“We have a great deal of expertise and the company has a highly-trained workforce which is able to offer reliable defect detection using the very latest techniques.

“I can’t thank Bill Scott enough for all his help in securing a home for TVI."

Mr Scott said: “I’ve known David and Pat for many years and I’m pleased to have played a part in helping them establish TVI on Teesside."