North East engineering firm RWO has strengthened its fast-expanding geoenvironmental and ground engineering operations with the appointment of a senior executive.

Phil Brown has been named Associate Director of Geoenvironmental Services and will work alongside Head of Department Chris Rudd at the firm’s Stokesley office, as well as with the wider management team based at RWO’s Newcastle office.

Bringing over 30 years of experience in large-scale infrastructure remediation and earthworks to the role, he will take responsibility for a wide-ranging remit that includes coordinating major infrastructure projects, business development, operational oversight, technical compliance, and leading a team of geoenvironmental engineers.

The appointment follows growing demand for the department’s services as commercial and residential developers push forward with investment and regeneration plans.

Recent work includes the provision of ground investigation and structural engineering services to CU Phosco, a market leader in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of high mast lighting aprons. This is part of a series of new contracts secured by RWO’s Geoenvironmental Department.

Other ground investigation projects have been completed at Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester International airports, PD Ports at Tees Port, and Banks Group. The department is now targeting £1 million in revenue by the end of the year.

Currently employing a team of six engineers and support staff, the department plans to continue recruiting skilled personnel to support new business growth and broaden its technical services offering.

Phil Brown said: “I am delighted to be joining RWO, which has a great reputation for excellence, a strong team culture and positive philosophy, with ongoing ambitions to see its operations expand further across the UK.

“In particular, I’m looking forward to developing more integration with civils and structural services, closer involvement in the burgeoning data centre work, and delivering more holistic engineering solutions for clients.”

Department head and director Chris Rudd added: “Phil will be a great addition to the team - the right fit at the right time as we go for growth. With fully complete ground investigation skills, experience and expertise, we look forward to him playing a key role in helping to elevate the RWO brand and its capabilities across the UK.”