The Tyneside-based manufacturer of ROVs, mining equipment and subsea ploughs Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD) is relocating its servicing and training side of the business to Port of Tyne.

SMD’s head office and heavy production facility will remain in Wallsend and the company will continue to manufacture ROVs at the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate in North Shields. Servicing, maintenance and training operations will transfer to the new facility at the Port of Tyne.

The firm will occupy a 23,000sqft unit at Tyne Dock, which has been modified to offer bespoke accommodation for SMD.

Inside, the company will be carrying out repairs and upgrades and will offer training via simulation technology designed to mimic sea conditions.

Graham Puntis, SMD managing director, Services, said: “As well as focusing on new builds, SMD Services enables us to increase our presence in the after-market by helping customers to get the most out of their assets so they can remain where they should be - at sea - for as long as possible.

“The move to Port of Tyne is about a number of factors, including location. We need good access for offshore vessels bringing equipment directly to us for repair, maintenance or overhaul. As this aspect of our work continues to grow the move also provides us with the necessary expansion capacity.”

SMD currently employs 220 people with 50 members of staff now based at Port of Tyne, and that figure is due to rise to 80, plus additional offshore support workers as operations continue to expand.