Member Article

FM Coatings commits to Durham with new plant and plans for 75 new jobs

Automotive components business FM Coatings has announced plans to create 75 new jobs in County Durham over the next few years.

Outgrowing its base in Boldon, the firm has taken on an extra 23,000 sq ft worth of space at Seaham Grange Industrial Estate to open a high-tech paint plant.

The company, which paints plastic automotive components using a wet spray system, will recruit operators to helm specialist machinery at the new plant.

After tripling its turnover since forming in 2007, the firm’s response to increasing demand for exterior painted car parts in modern cars is anticipated to take its overall headcount to 165 people by 2020.

Mick Ford, director of FM Coatings, explained: “There were a number of reasons for choosing the factory in Seaham, including the excellent support we received from Durham County Council.

“The new fully automated paint plant in our Seaham factory will allow us to expand further into the exterior component market where we have seen considerable growth over the last 12 months.

“The new plant will be commissioned in June this year with the first project starting in December. We expect the majority of new employees to come from the immediate local area and look forward to recruitment starting later this year.”

Peter Rippingale, inward investment manager for Business Durham, added: “FM Coatings is a classic example of a company whose skills and expertise are in high demand from some of the biggest car manufacturers in the country.

“We look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength in County Durham following the installation of their new state of the art paint plant.”