A Derbyshire engineering specialist with roots dating back more than 85 years has marked the start of a new chapter in its history with a prestigious visit from the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE.
Nuclear Energy Components welcomed the Lord Lieutenant to its Bradwell facility on Monday, where she toured the site alongside Managing Director Matt Keeley and Operations Director Paul Wildgoose. The visit celebrated both the company’s long-standing contribution to UK manufacturing and the announcement that the business has officially returned to the historic name, Newburgh Engineering Co Limited.
Founded in 1939 in the Peak District village of Bradwell, the company initially expanded to support the wartime effort before establishing itself as a trusted supplier to the British nuclear industry during the 1950s. Over the decades, the business diversified into defence, aerospace, oil and gas, and power generation, building an international reputation for precision engineering and specialist manufacturing capabilities.
Today, the company employs 24 people and continues to invest in advanced manufacturing technology, cellular manufacturing, apprenticeships and employee development, while also supporting local community projects and sustainability initiatives.
Managing Director Matt Keeley said the visit from the Lord Lieutenant came at an important moment in the company’s history.
“We were delighted to welcome the Lord Lieutenant to our facility and showcase the skills, innovation and dedication of our team,” he said.
“This business has played an important role in British engineering for generations, and returning to the Newburgh Engineering Co name reflects both our heritage and our ambitions for the future. We are incredibly proud of the legacy that has been built here in Bradwell and excited about the next chapter as we continue to invest in our people, technology and long-term partnerships.”
The company became an Employee Ownership Trust in 2022, giving employees a direct stake in the future success. Recent investments have included new Haas machining technology and robotic automation systems to strengthen manufacturing capability and support future growth.
During the visit, the Lord Lieutenant met employees, learned about the company’s long-standing work in the nuclear and defence sectors, and toured the manufacturing facility to see its advanced machining, fabrication and inspection capabilities firsthand.
Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, said:
“It was a pleasure to visit the team in Bradwell and learn more about the remarkable history of the business and its contribution to UK manufacturing over many decades.
“The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, skills development and the local community is extremely impressive. It is wonderful to see such a strong Derbyshire business continuing to evolve while honouring its heritage through the return to the Newburgh Engineering name.”
Newburgh Engineering Co Limited currently supports customers across the nuclear, defence and advanced engineering sectors, providing machining, fabrication, inspection and specialist manufacturing services through long-term customer partnerships.