Washington news
New markets warm to Advanced Radiators
A CGI of the planned £ 30m business park development in Washington .
GMI Construction Group to start work on £ 30m business park development
GMI Construction Group is about to start work on a £ 30m contract to construct 362,600 sq ft of commercial units as part of the first phase of the Hillthorn Business Park development at Washington , near Sunderland .
Appointed lead contractor by client Legal & General , it is due to complete the seven units , ranging in size from 21,000 sq ft to 83,000 sq ft , by September 2022 .
It is part of a £ 60m two-phased development designed to stimulate economic growth by supporting the needs of industrial , advanced manufacturing , storage , and distribution businesses in the area .
Hilthorn Business Park is expected to create 1,600 jobs once fully completed by 2023 and will complement the adjacent International Advanced Manufacturing Park ( IAMP ) and Turbine Business Park .
The units , designed by commercial architecture specialist Hale , will be sited
on land west of Infiniti Drive , and provide a range of light industrial and storage distribution uses .
A joint venture between Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council , with Henry Boot Developments as delivery partner , it will provide research , development , and training facilities for businesses across the North-East .
Lee Powell , GMI Construction Group ’ s divisional managing director , said : “ Hillthorn Business Park is the latest in several recent North-East projects that we have been excited to be involved in , all designed to bring jobs and prosperity to the area .
“ Not only is GMI Construction Group playing its part creating the facilities and infrastructure necessary to deliver economic growth , but as a company we are committed to using local suppliers and subcontractors whenever possible .”
A Wear-based engine cooling and climate control specialist is expanding into new markets and creating jobs after building a second workshop for its new division . Advanced Radiators – one of the largest independent engine cooling and climate control specialists in the UK – has launched Advanced Heat Transfer , a new division of the business which is helping the company expand into the industrial , marine and rail sectors .
Established in 1982 , the family-run business now employs more than 30 people , with key clients including Nissan , Hitachi , Finning Caterpillar , Northern Rail and Banks Group .
Demolition prepares the ground for next stage of IAMP development
Food packaging experts acquire Sedgefield firm
Food packaging specialist PFF Group is set for expansion following the acquisition of Sedgefield-based Sirap UK .
The £ 13m turnover company was part of the Italian Sirap Group and is a leading producer and supplier of thermoformed rigid plastic food packaging .
Family owned PFF Group is one of the UK ’ s largest independent food packaging manufacturers supplying supermarkets , multi-national food manufacturers , food service and fresh produce companies across the country .
National vet group expands with Washington acquisition
A successful national veterinary group is set to grow its presence in the region after completing the acquisition of a longstanding Washington practice .
Medivet Group has purchased the Dragon Veterinary Centre in Concord from owners Andrew and Julie Henfrey for an undisclosed sum and is now looking at completing a number of further acquisitions around the region .
Andrew and Julie are staying with the practice , along with the rest of its expert team .
Two derelict farm buildings are set to be demolished to pave the way for further investment in the giant International Advanced Manufacturing Park ( IAMP ) on the edge of Washington .
Permission has been granted for Elliscope Farm and West Moor Farm to be pulled down , subject to final approval from Natural England , which will clear land on the IAMP – a 150-hectare site spanning Sunderland and South Tyneside .
The buildings , which have fallen into a poor state of repair , will be cleared later this year in a move that will enable the further development of the park , which was announced last month as the preferred location for a £ 450m electric car battery gigafactory .
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