As a result of continued growth, North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) member and Shildon Fabricator AKV Cladding Products Limited has invested nearly £1m on new state of the art machinery and is now set to continue its year on year expansion.
Specialising in all aspects of cladding and rain screen fabrication, the company now employs 55 people, a number set to increase.
Finance manager, Danny Hall, who started his career as a NECC accountancy apprentice in Middlesbrough, said: “The general upturn in the construction industry, coupled with providing high quality products in a timeframe rarely matched by our competitors, has resulted in our business growing significantly year on year. It is exciting times here at AKV as we not only grow into new products, but also completely new industries”.
Evidence of the success of AKV is evident as Bristol Contractors have continued to source their products ahead of more local fabricators, for Bristol City Football Club. “Bristol City Football Club has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase our skills” said Danny.
The business is committed to staff development and as part of its growth plans, is about to appoint a NECC accountancy apprentice, Vicky Forster, and a new administrative assistant/ receptionist.
Andrew Robson, Head of NECC Training said: “It is always a great testament to the value of apprenticeships when someone who has been through our training programme then encourages the next generation to go down the same route. We are delighted to have played our part in helping Danny to go on to have such a successful career.”
As part of its recent contracts AKV Cladding has supplied bespoke cladding for Barker & Stonehouse at Teesside Retail Park and a unique structure on the exterior of the Starbucks building at the Metrocentre.
AKV Cladding was set up by Kevin Everitt in 1980. He still runs the company and has also diversified into property development. The new property business is responsible for various prestigious residential conversions with a value of well in £3.5m. Former Barnard Castle council offices ‘Teesdale House’ are being converted into four executive houses, and eight apartments. A further project to transform the White Swan pub on the Bridge at Barnard Castle is also nearing completion.
Details of these projects can be found by contacting Karl Everitt at AKV, or on rightmove.
NECC Training is currently working with North East businesses in various sectors, including professional services and engineering, to identify apprenticeship opportunities for the companies and this summer’s school leavers