Team Valley glass processing firm announces skills drive as turnover hits £14m

A Team Valley glass processing business has grown its turnover to £14m on the back of contract wins and a seven-figure investment.

Tyneside Safety Glass spent £2m on new equipment to strengthen its position in the niche high-value glass products market.

To meet the skills requirement created with the investment, the company is partnering with Gateshead College to develop new talent.

The two organisations have created a Performing Manufacturing Operations (PMO) skills programme allowing apprentices to learn about manufacturing preparation, processes, techniques, quality control and workplace health and safety, as well as transferable skills in communication, teamwork and industrial environmental practices.

Tyneside Safety Glass MD Chris Hannant said: “The skills drive is part of our wider aim to introduce new young employees into our business who will help to support our ongoing growth plans in key market sectors.

“After investing in various training programmes during the last eight years, this is the first time we’ve worked with Gateshead College and we’re impressed with both their keenness to understand our business and their overall approach to workforce development.”

Chris continued: “They’ve acknowledged our need to find staff with the right attitude who are capable of acquiring skills that will help strengthen our position in specialist markets. This strategy has been driven by the increased competition faced from larger, high-volume glass manufacturers in China.”

Tyneside Safety Glass, which employs around 200 staff, is also working with Gateshead College to put around 10 of its employees through forklift truck training.

The European Social Fund-backed programme is being delivered by Tyneside Training Services, a subsidiary of the college.

Gateshead College business development director Ivan Jepson commented: “It’s great to see Tyneside Safety Glass invest in its staff.

“It’s true that people are an employer’s best asset and by having the right skills within the business, a company can pursue and achieve ambitious growth plans.”

He added: “We’re proud to be playing a key role in the ongoing expansion of Tyneside Safety Glass.”