Inprotec,a pyrometallurgical engineering firm based in Normanton, is extending its US footprint having secured a six-figure contract to supply a new plant to NELCO Worldwide.

The West Yorkshire company will supply a new lead casting plant in Houston, Texas, to the international business which is a medical and industrial radiation shielding specialist.

Founded in 1977 as family-run engineering business G.A. Oldroyd, the company rebranded as Inprotec ten years ago and moved to a bespoke manufacturing facility in Normanton soon afterwards.

Inprotec works with a range of global clients and is a specialist in the design and supply of pyrometallurgical process plants used to recover lead and precious metals. The project in Houston will include three industrial-sized melting kettles to melt lead which will then be used to create a range of radiation shielding products – this will include the lead doors and bricks used in X-ray and radiology facilities.

Chris Oldroyd, managing director of Inprotec, commented: “We’re delighted to announce this contract win and excited to be working with a business of the scale and significance of NELCO.

“Once operational, the plant will deliver massive benefits to NELCO, ranging from boosting their already impressive production capabilities, through to significantly enhancing the working environment for employees and reducing the company’s environmental footprint.”

Gary Miller, executive VP and chief operating office at NELCO Worldwide, added: “We chose to partner with Inprotec for their world-leading process and mechanical engineering capabilities and we’re looking forward to realising the benefits that this new plant will bring to our facility in Houston.”