News Article
Four hundred new jobs are coming to the North East, as one of the region’s flagship manufacturing facilities is brought back into use.
The Tanfield Group, based in County Durham, has taken on a long-term lease for vigo250, the former LG Electronics plant in Washington, to house its latest acquisition, global access platform manufacturer UpRight Powered Access.
The company will be able to transfer UpRight production from Ireland, thanks to a £1.95m Selective Finance for Investment (SFI) grant from regional development agency One North East.
Ron Stanley, chief executive and chairman of Stanley-based The Tanfield Group, said: “Our vision has always been to build a global manufacturing business with the North East as its heartland.
“We are living proof that manufacturing in this region is not dead and buried. Companies can still be profitable and competitive, provided they continue to add value.
“This move will not only result in 400 jobs being created over the next three years, but will see the flagship vigo250 facility, one of the largest manufacturing sites in the region, brought back into use.
The acquisition of UpRight Powered Access, finalised just a few days ago, will see product engineering group Tanfield gain sales and spare parts distribution centres in the UK, the United States, China and Japan, along with an extensive independent global dealership and distribution network for UpRight products.
Tanfield moved into the powered access market in 2004, when it bought British manufacturer Aerial Access.
It has since invested in new products and significantly improved sales of Aerial’s trailer booms, truck mounted platforms and aerial lifts. The acquisition of UpRight Powered Access will compliment this range with scissor lifts and self-propelled booms.
David Allison, Director of Business and Industry at One North East, said: “The Tanfield Group is one of the leading employers in the North East, and over the last couple of years has really made an impact on the national stage.
“With the acquisition of UpRight, which I’m delighted to say One North East has been able to support with a £1.95m SFI grant, the company can really make a name for itself internationally.
“At a time when job losses have dominated the news, it’s good to hear of a home-grown company actually expanding and creating jobs.
‘’Of course, this great news is part of a much bigger picture in the region. Last year, through Selective Finance for Investment, One North East made offers of a total of £15.8m to 124 companies, resulting in the creation or safeguarding of more than 4,100 jobs. In addition, that SFI money leveraged a further £143m of private sector investment into North East England, all of which makes a valuable and vital contribution to the region’s economy”.
Powered access platforms, commonly known as cherry pickers, are used for safe working above ground level, in applications such as construction, building maintenance and estates or facilities management. They are also used in movie and television production.
UpRight was the third largest manufacturer of access equipment in 2000 with a turnover of $220m. Although it has been through a difficult couple of years, which led to factory closures and job cuts, The Tanfield Group is confident it can bring back success.
Mr Stanley said: “UpRight is an extremely well known brand all over the world, with a very strong product portfolio.
“By harnessing production to our engineering powerhouse and applying Tanfield’s proven sales and marketing strategy, we are confident that we can significantly grow this business.”
Tanfield also believes the acquisition of the overseas facilities – particularly in the US – will provide it with the perfect platform to market its other leading products, zero emission commercial electric vehicles.
Assembly of these battery-powered vehicles will also move to Washington.
“Thanks to the assistance we received from One North East, we have the opportunity to construct a global brand, with its roots planted firmly in this region,” added Mr Stanley.
ENDS
For more information please contact: Susan Ambrosi, press office, One North East, on Tel: (0191) 229 6894 or email:
Susan.Ambrosi@onenortheast.co.uk
Or Dan Jenkins, PR manager, The Tanfield Group Plc
01207 521111, mob 07725 784089
Email: dan.jenkins@tanfieldgroup.com
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