The new managing director of West Cumbria engineering firm Delkia says he is confident it will double in size over the next few years – and that its growth plans will include apprenticeship opportunities.

Julian Dorgan said he is planning to expand the number of services offered by the Cleator Moor headquartered power and automation engineers, and capitalise on on the increasing engagement with SMEs in nuclear and other sectors.

Mr Dorgan, who joined Delkia in July after a career including positions with NG Bailey and Balfour Beatty, said: “We offer design manufacturing and field services so can offer a rounded solution to current and prospective clients”.

“That comes with a range of electric and control engineering design, manufacturing, assembly, software controls and automation, communications, commissioning, testing and maintenance options which has helped us develop a client base across oil, gas, food manufacturing nuclear and the MoD.”

Delkia also has a number of smaller contracts with local firms such as West Coast Composting and the Ennerdale Hotel to “help keep the business rolling” between larger orders.

Mr Dorgan, who currently manages a team of eight staff, added: “Everything is done in house within our Cleator Moor office – from concept design through to manufacture, panel assembly and the recent expansion of our installation field services element which provides us with a platform to offer a turnkey service solution to our clients.

“Our growth path should see us double our capacity over next three years and move to new premises so future is very vibrant for what Delkia is offering – these are exciting times.”

Bob Allison, head of automation at Delkia, explained that guidelines requiring 30 per cent of nuclear budgets to be spent with SMEs were helping firms like Delkia.

A Sellafield innovation cell which gave an insight into issues at the site requiring engineering solutions would also be a great benefit, he added.

Delkia was originally known as iControls when it was started in 2104 by owner Kurt Canfield, but has been rebranded to reflect its wider range of services.

Mr Dorgan believes that Delkia’s growth will bring further benefits to the area. “We’re very much embroiled in looking at the socio-economic benefits for the area and I’ve had discussions with Lakes Academy since I've started regarding apprenticeships for next September.

“We want to support Cleator Moor which is great area to do business in. It’s economically viable for a businesses to start up with grants to tap into and a catchment area that offers a plethora of opportunities within a 25-mile radius – not just nuclear, but other industries within the area provides a whole host of exciting opportunities that Delkia can connect with.”