AN offshore engineering firm has invested in machinery to improve its work.

OGN Group has bought new pipe cutting equipment, which it says will lower preparation and welding time on energy projects.

David Edwards, chief executive of Wallsend-based OGN, said: “This investment is part of our commitment to maintain our position as one of the most respected providers of fabrication services to the energy industry.

“Alongside the experience and skills of our engineers, it will help us improve competitiveness while meeting exacting standards.”

Earlier this year, OGN revealed it had won a multi-million-pound North Sea gas contract to support 500 jobs.

The company said it would take on about 150 staff to carry out work on an 800-tonne processor at its Hadrian Yard, on the banks of the Tyne.

The project includes making and pre-commissioning a module, incorporating equipment including a primary separator, condensate heater, gas cooler and condensate recycle pumps, which separate fluids and gas extracted from below the seabed.

The module will be attached to an existing platform in the Alder field, about 100 miles off the coast of Scotland.

It followed another deal for a North Sea oil and gas development.

In November last year, OGN secured a contract with EnQuest to undertake finishing and commissioning works on the EnQuest Producer, a 249m-long floating production, storage and offloading vessel.