AN engineering firm developing security and counter-terrorism technology has been launched from a base in Tynedale which has a long history of hosting engineering start-ups.

The five-strong team of directors behind OpenWorks Engineering are working to finalise their flagship drone intervention and defeat system by the spring, after setting up the business at Broomhaugh House in Riding Mill.

The building was home to the Engineering Business, which was founded by Dr Tony Trapp and three colleagues back in 1997, before it was sold to IHC Merwede in 2008, and now trades from Stocksfield Hall, in Stocksfield.

Dr Trapp went on to found Osbit Power in 2010, with two more colleagues, to serve the subsea engineering and offshore technology industry.

And now OpenWorks Engineering is renting some of their office space.

“Forty people now work for Osbit Power and we know some of the directors, as well as the fact they actively encourage engineering start-ups,” explained marketing director at OpenWorks, James Cross.

“So we‘ve now reached an agreement where we are renting some vacant office space from them and it’s fantastic to be part of the rich tradition of engineering firms in the Tyne Valley.”

Born in response to the increasing threat from the technology behind Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, which are now widely and cheaply available, the company was formed by a group and friends and Newcastle-based engineers who worked for a major defence contractor in the city.

Managing director Chris Down, engineering director Neil Armstrong and James were joined by technical director, Alex Wilkinson and his brother, Roland, who took on the role of finance director.

“After working for other engineering firms, we all joined forces with the aim of developing a particular product range to offer civil authorities protection from drones,” said James.

The launch product, SkyWall, will be a counter UAV system to provide authorities and security specialists with the ability to protect civilians and VIPs, from the threats posed by the unmanned aircraft.

“Five years ago these things were seen as high military technology and now the number of international news reports about them having near misses with planes, flying over nuclear facilities or dropping things into prisons, is growing every day,” said James.

A cost-effective and proportionate response to the problem is what the team, who all have experience in delivering urgent operational requirements for the military from their previous roles, are working to achieve.

Chris explained: “The team pride themselves on being able to provide exceptional solutions.

“While we are developing our own product range for an exciting new market, I believe that we have a unique combination of skills that can add value to other engineering businesses.”

More information is available online at www.openworksengineering.com