CONSTRUCTION work is underway to expand the premises of a Tyneside manufacturer after turnover tripled in the last three years.
Gateshead-based J.B. Components, a leading supplier of road transport products and components, has appointed Tri Construction as the main contractor to carry out the design and build project that will see the warehouse in Felling, grow from 20,000sqft to 37,000sqft.
It is the latest addition to Tri Construction’s rapidly increasing portfolio of contract wins across the region since the Team Valley-based firm launched in January.
The new facility, due to completed by November, will enable J.B. Components to continue to expand its fabrication operations and strengthen its growing workforce.
The firm is part of the Yorkshire-based Service Metals Group, Europe’s leading supplier of aluminium extrusion and body building materials to the road transport and engineering industries.
Founded in 2004, J.B. Components has carved out a successful niche as a specialist in the fabrication of value-added products, including EU Type Approved Side Guard Systems and Kit Body Systems for commercial vehicles.
It has also established a strong customer base as the sole distributor in the UK and Ireland of Brianza glass fibre products, which are primarily used in the panel manufacturing and caravan industries and also in other manufacturing processes.
Once work is completed, the firm has ambitions to add to its 22-strong team that includes four apprentices.
General manager, Frank Beegan, said: “This is an exciting time for the business. We are seeing a rise in demand and by extending the facilities we will be able to expand our range of fabricated bodykits and also increase our stocking facility and storage space for glass fibre.
“As we grow we will also be taking on more staff, including apprentices.
“Tri Construction is an ideal partner for us on this development. They are enthusiastic and understand the importance of great customer service. Importantly, they have also enabled us to continue to get on with the day-to-day running of the business while the work takes place.”
Graham Urwin, construction director at Tri Construction, said: “We have worked closely with J.B Components to value engineer and design the project to suit their requirements and budget.
“We are pleased to be involved with this expansion to a successful North East business that will bring more jobs to Gateshead.”
The Morley-based Service Metals Group, which has 11 depots across the UK and Ireland, is celebrating its 40th year in business.
John Winn, Group chairman, said: “We are pleased to be marking our 40th year with further investment in our Gateshead depot, which has once again outgrown its premises. It will enable us to further expand our operations and create more jobs in North East manufacturing.”