Cllr Trueman performed the honours at Ashford Orthodontics’ new state of the art facility in Southwick, that is fully equipped with modern orthodontic equipment and software, boosting the manufacture of products and enabling the use of 3D-printing and scanning for orthodontic purposes and procedures.
Formerly based in Sunniside, Ashford Orthodontics moved into the larger laboratory to accommodate the continued growth of the business throughout 2016.
Cllr Trueman cut the ribbon at the 6,000 sq ft facility, which will help the firm capitalise on increasing demand for orthodontic services across the UK and overseas.
Ashford Orthodontics director, Sean Thompson, said: “We are a proud Sunderland firm and we are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase our unique offer to Cllr Trueman, and many other guests who joined us to celebrate our move, and thank him for performing our official opening.
“The new laboratory not only provides us with a new home for our growing business, but it also opens up the potential for further development.
“We have almost doubled in size since 2014, and with sustained year-on-year growth, we aim to take on more staff during 2016 and increase production. We have a highly-skilled team and continue to grow our numbers, recently recruiting four talented and enthusiastic apprentices from Sunderland College.”
Ashford Orthodontics has enjoyed continuous growth since its creation 15 years ago. In 2015, the company recruited eight new employees. With forecasts looking positive well into 2016, the company plans to recruit a further ten members of staff.
At the opening, Cllr Trueman said: “It is wonderful to be able to support a genuine Sunderland success story and celebrate their status as leaders in their field.
“Ashford Orthodontics is operating at the cutting edge of its industry and providing high-quality skilled jobs for Sunderland people. The firm’s commitment to employing young people should also be applauded, with a talented team of apprentices ensuring it is fit for the future. This investment in a new Sunderland facility is another demonstrable commitment to Sunderland, and we are absolutely delighted to have such a pioneering company flying the flag for our city on a global scale.”
Based on Southwick Industrial Estate, the new laboratory is five times the size of the firm’s previous city centre headquarters.
As well as recruiting apprentices, Ashford’s new home is equipped with a training and learning facility, which plays host to a variety of courses on specialist services for delegates from across the UK.
Sean added: “We have worked hard to build a strong reputation for specialised orthodontic technical services. But we also pride ourselves on customer service and quality that is second to none.
“Our mix of experienced employees helping guide our keen young apprentices helps make Ashford one of the most progressive orthodontic laboratories in the country.”
Ashford Orthodontics manufactures bespoke orthodontic appliances and has an extensive client base both nationally and internationally. Clinicians in The Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand now use Ashford Orthodontics’ digital capabilities to place orders for the company’s leading orthodontic appliances, with traditional geographical boundaries having now been removed through the development of its digital capabilities.
To find out more about the company visit www.ashfordorthodontics.