A FAMILY run fabrications firm has its sights set on a 50% growth after substantially upgrading its office space and winning several large international contracts.
GK Fabrications – a provider of structural and architectural metal and steel services – has swapped its 2,800 sq ft former base for a modern, 10,500 sq ft manufacturing space at Pallion Industrial Estate that will see the business more than double its current capability, provide new services to clients and grow its workforce.
Long-standing international projects have helped the business achieve a 30% growth year-on-year for the last three years, and with the additional workspace and updated equipment, GK Fabrications plans to grow by a further 50% in 2020.
The new site, owned by UK Land Estates – the largest commercial property investment and development company in the North East – gives the firm easy access to transport links and Sunderland city centre, which is vital to GK Fabrications’ future operations.
Gary King, founder of GK Fabrications, said: “Despite the challenging financial climate we have managed to grow our business year on year and our new base is the perfect way for us to keep expanding.
“There is also plenty of space on-site for the addition of new equipment that is streamlining our processes and helping to make our business more efficient.
“As part of our continued expansion, we are set to recruit a further five employees – including an administrator, an apprentice, a welder and two platers – to expand our capacity even further.
“It’s an exciting time for the business and I can’t wait to see where we are in the next few years.”
David Gibbs, commercial director at UK Land Estates, said: “Our mission is to provide businesses with a range of property solutions that meet commercial needs.
“Because of this, we invest heavily in our portfolio of estates and have been working hard to ensure they’re well connected, modern and fit for purpose so that businesses continue to thrive and grow within the region.
“It’s great to see a local, family-run firm thriving in the current economic climate and proving that the North East is a great place to do business.”
GK Fabrications joins neighbouring tenants Jewsons, Toolstation and 4Louis who have also recently moved to the estate.