Durham Metal finishings business looks to double workforce

North East metal finishing firm, Almit Group Ltd, expects to increase its workforce by up to 50% over the next three years following a major relocation.

Almit will move to a new 170,000 sq ft base in the former Amdega Building in Darlington, this autumn.

The investment has been supported by Yorkshire Bank’s North East Business & Private Banking Centre in Stockton.

Almit Metal Finishing was founded in 1981 by Dr Allan Mitchell and his wife Irene. The group now comprises Specialist Coatings Ltd, Industrial Anodising Services and Aliprint, all of which are based in separate locations in Aycliffe, Shildon and Bishop Auckland. The group intends to invest up to £5m in relocating the four businesses during the next two years with support from Yorkshire Bank.

Allan Mitchell, group general manager and son of the founders, said: “We supply a range of protective and aesthetic metal coatings to a wide range of architectural and engineering components throughout the North East. We work closely with our customers to help them meet their own production schedules and win business which will benefit us both.

“The relocation is a major step forward for us which will improve internal communication and efficiency and give us the capacity to invest in further state-of-the art technology and launch new services.

“Our business is continuing to expand but our diverse premises were starting to hold us back. With welcome support from Yorkshire Bank we have acquired and are refurbishing the new Almit Group site. This is an exciting time for us which will enable us to create 40 new jobs.”

The Almit Group Ltd currently has 77 staff, a £5m turnover and supports a wide range of businesses throughout the North East, particularly in the architectural fabrication and oil and gas sectors.

Introductions from Yorkshire Bank helped the Almit Group access funding from Let’s Grow, part of the Regional Growth Fund which helps businesses which are expanding and creating jobs.

Paul Wells, Yorkshire Bank North East Business & Private Banking Centre business development manager, said: “The Almit Group is a homegrown, North East business which is set to expand and create jobs in the region. Yorkshire Bank is proud to support Almit Group as it continues along its growth path.”

Yorkshire Bank’s Growing Business campaign, launched last autumn, is a package of initiatives including fee-free loans and overdrafts, including a £1bn Business Expansion Fund and 24 months free banking for start-ups.