One of Burnley’s largest and world leading businesses, Pipeline Induction Heat (PIH), has been awarded The Long Standing Contribution to Burnley Award, by Burnley Council Leader, Mark Townsend, and Chief Executive, Mick Cartledge, who visited PIH last week, to present the award to recognise the 30 years PIH has been based in the town.
The council representatives were given a tour of the impressive 75,000 sq ft PIH facility and briefed on the latest developments underway in one of the world’s largest and leading pipeline ‘field joint coating’ companies.
Council Leader Mark Townsend said: “This company is definitely a hidden gem. You might expect to find specialists in oil and gas pipeline coating technologies in the US, Russia or China, and surprised to hear that one of the world’s largest pipeline ‘field joint coating’ contractors is based in Burnley. We are delighted PIH has its world class manufacturing, test, R&D and demonstration facility in one of Burnley’s most established flagship business parks, from where it supports the global pipeline industry. This is another fantastic example of the range of world class businesses we have based in the town creating highly skilled jobs.”
Burnley Council Chief Executive Mick Cartledge said: “We were delighted to present the award to PIH to recognise the company’s commitment to both Burnley and to growing and developing its Burnley workforce. The company has adapted well to market conditions and you can feel the positive culture within the business when you are on site.
“It was fascinating to tour and great to hear about the work and the company’s commitment to upskilling its workforce, as well as its dedication to training locals in the various locations across the world where a project may be based.
“One country cited specifically was Angola, where the company employs local people and offers specific training, leaving them with qualifications and experience to better themselves once PIH has completed its scope of work. The company has also recently worked on the major TANAP project which included a 2,000km pipe that ran the entire length of Turkey!”
Adding: “It was also wonderful to hear about its commitment to recruiting and training young apprentices. One of the youngest apprentices who started in administration has now moved into the technical department and is the youngest qualified NACE standard inspector in the world!”
Paul McShane, Managing Director, Pipeline Induction Heat said: “We were delighted to receive the award in recognition of our commitment to delivering our global services from our Burnley facility. PIH didn’t originate in Burnley, it actually started in High Wycombe in 1988, and the company was approached by Burnley Council who were actively seeking to attract inward investment and promoting the opportunities in Burnley for growing businesses. The council approach worked, PIH was offered a grant to move to Burnley, the relocation took place and here we are today growing PIH in the town for the long term future.”
“Geographically Burnley has been an excellent location for us. Global clients are able to reach us easily and our loyal dedicated local workforce has very much helped grow the business.”
“We are committed to promoting the oil and gas sector as a great career choice for millennials and we work closely with Burnley College to recruit apprentices who have gone on to be hugely successful.”
