Newcastle based JHT Engineering, a leading name in the steel manufacturing industry, today announced a significant strategic milestone with the appointment of Tom Clark as its new Managing Director.

with the simultaneous launch of a comprehensive brand relaunch. This dual initiative signals a bold new direction for the company, solidifying its position as a full-scope engineering solutions partner for high-integrity sectors.

Tom Clark brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking vision to JHT. His professional journey began in raw materials, spanning both blue-chip corporations and dynamic SMEs, where he rapidly ascended to senior leadership roles. "I was fortunate to step into senior leadership roles from a young age, which gave me early exposure to the pressures and responsibilities of driving performance," states Clark. His career further diversified into value-added processing of metals, fostering close collaboration with fabricators on critical projects across demanding sectors such as Oil & Gas, Formula 1, Aerospace, and Nuclear. This experience cultivated his belief in being a "solutions provider, not just a supplier," a philosophy he now brings to JHT.

"What drew me in was Northern Industries’ disruptive mindset and ambitious growth plans," Clark explains. "The JHT name carries real weight in the area, with a proud history. I saw a unique opportunity to take that reputation and evolve JHT into a full-scope engineering partner for other high-integrity industries."

A New Brand for a New Direction: JHT Engineering

Central to JHT Engineering’s new chapter is the strategic brand relaunch, transitioning from "JHT Fabrications" to "JHT Engineering." This rebrand is a direct response to the company's expanded capabilities and future ambitions.

"The 'Fabrications' name no longer reflects the full picture of who we are or where we're heading," Clark emphasises. "We offer 3D scanning, in-house design, full manufacturing and finishing with expert installation teams.

We solve complex engineering challenges, not just fabricate metal. This relaunch is about telling that story clearly and confidently."

The core pillars of the new JHT Engineering brand launch is to communicate a modern, multi-disciplinary partner offering comprehensive services from concept to installation. Key messages include:

• Engineering-led solutions, moving beyond traditional fabrication.
• End-to-end in-house capability, from design and manufacture to installation.
• Deep sector knowledge, building on roots in water and construction, with a strong focus on expanding into nuclear, oil & gas, defence, renewables, and other high-integrity industries.
• Consistent, high-quality service, every time.
• A forward-thinking culture built on clarity, trust, and ambition.

The new brand identity visually and verbally signals progression, honouring JHT's heritage while clearly aligning with its growth markets. For customers, this means a more integrated and capable partner for their most complex and critical metalwork requirements.

Vision for the Future: A Northern Powerhouse

Under Tom Clark’s leadership, JHT's long-term vision is clear: "We want JHT to be recognised across the UK as a powerhouse in the North for engineering solutions for high-integrity sectors." This includes both diversifying into new markets and expanding its footprint in existing areas of excellence. Plans include expanding capacity, investing in cutting-edge technology and increasing market visibility both online and on-site.

Clark identifies significant opportunities in current infrastructure and energy sectors, including nuclear decommissioning, modular data centre builds, hydrogen, carbon capture and defence, where the need for safety-critical metalwork to the highest standards is paramount.

Addressing anticipated challenges like recruitment, particularly for skilled welders and fabricators, JHT will focus on selective growth, prioritising quality over volume. The company is committed to building strong internal systems and a culture that fosters talent. "I want to ensure we are investing in our people and actively reach out to schools and help young people develop, who are interested in a career in engineering," Clark states.

Clark's leadership style, defined by clarity, consistency and empowerment, is designed to cultivate a high-standard, accountable culture where employees thrive. "We’re giving people the freedom to speak up and the structure to act," he says, promoting cross-functional collaboration and a mindset of continuous improvement.

Ultimately, JHT aims to be a true "Northern powerhouse," providing skilled jobs, investing in apprenticeships 

 and setting a new benchmark for excellence within the industry and the community it serves.

JHT Engineering is a leading steel manufacturing company specialising in engineering-led solutions, offering comprehensive in-house capabilities from design and manufacture to installation. With a proud history rooted in water and construction, JHT is expanding its expertise and service offerings to critical, high-integrity sectors including nuclear, oil & gas, defence, and renewables, committed to delivering quality, innovation, and expertise.

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