Changes at the top for Barrier

Offshore paintings and coatings business Barrier has appointed a new managing director to head up the next phase of its growth.

The Wallsend firm has promoted Paul Harriman from commercial manager to its new MD, with former managing director Robert Bowles becoming group chairman.

Harriman joined Barrier straight from school in 1979 and has enjoyed two spells with the company, which specialises in corrosion and fire protection in offshore, petrochemical and construction projects.

Barrier Group was formed in 1975 to carry out painting of structures to be installed as part of the growing North Sea oil industry. The company has gone on to complete more than 200 major contracts, totalling millions of square metres of surface protection and has worked for most of the world’s major oil companies.

More recently the company has expanded its operations beyond the oil sector and the group now carries out passive fire protection, metal spraying, powder coating and sub-sea insulation across the aerospace, marine and offshore renewable energy sectors.

“While trading within the offshore new build market remains competitive, the Barrier name, which has been associated with the painting industry since 1975 still remains a major selling point and is associated with delivering quality projects to our clients,” Harriman said.

Robert Bowles said: “As chairman I can support the continued growth of the group, which includes our recently acquired Insulation and Architectural Services Division.”