North Eastern Composites, a specialist in Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) solutions based in Cramlington, has achieved Achilles certification – a key milestone that cements its status as a trusted supplier to the UK’s energy and utilities sectors.
GRP is a tough, lightweight material made by strengthening plastic with glass fibres, making it ideal for use in harsh environments.
Founded in 2000, the family-run company designs and produces a wide range of durable, corrosion-resistant GRP products including EV chargers, solar panels, substations, and battery storage systems. Built for reliability in tough conditions, their products consistently meet the high standards required by major gas, electricity, and water networks.
The Achilles certification means they are now a verified supplier to the country’s leading gas, electric, and water networks. The company is already seeing tangible benefits: a 20% increase in turnover, new contract wins, and active recruitment to expand its growing team. They are also now being invited to tender for major infrastructure projects, thanks to their presence on the Achilles supplier platform.
Managing Director at North Eastern Composites, Mark Todd, said: “Achilles certification is a huge milestone for us. It has opened doors to exciting infrastructure projects across the UK and reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable products.”
Achilles certification is a benchmark requirement for companies seeking to work with UK energy networks, ensuring suppliers meet the highest standards in safety, compliance, and quality.
Supporting North Eastern Composites through the rigorous process was long-standing consultancy partner Absolute Quality, who have worked alongside the business for over 15 years.
“We couldn’t have done it without Absolute Quality,” Mark added. “They know our business inside out and their support made meeting Achilles’ strict standards a smooth experience.”
Absolute Quality previously helped the company secure ISO 9001 certification, reinforcing its reputation for quality-led manufacturing.
Managing Director at Absolute Quality, Lora Burton, said: “North Eastern Composites has shown real drive and dedication. We’re proud to support their journey of continual improvement.”
With Achilles accreditation now in place, the company is poised to grow its presence in the UK energy market, continuing to develop cutting-edge GRP solutions for sustainable infrastructure projects. Plans are already underway to pursue additional certifications, including ISO 14001.
Mark said: “We’re excited about what’s next. This achievement sets us up to take on bigger challenges as well as make a real impact in the energy sector.”
