Industrial specialists expand Washington base

A North East engineering business has expanded its headquarters following a year of contract wins and recruitment.

Hartech Automation has taken an additional 863sq ft at Washington Business Centre, increasing its total footprint to 2403sq ft as it targets further growth in new markets.

The company supplies, implements and manages automation and control systems for manufacturers, while helping businesses upgrade legacy machinery and equipment.

Traditionally working across sectors including automotive, food and drink and pharmaceuticals, Hartech has recently expanded its presence in renewable energy, oil and gas and defence.

The latest expansion follows a year in which the business recruited two employees, secured several new contracts and increased its international reach.

Managing director Mark Hardy says the additional space will support further recruitment while providing new conferencing facilities for meetings with clients and teams.

He said: “The company has grown significantly over recent years, and this expansion will be key to ensuring that continues.

“It will provide us with the space required to continue bringing in new staff, which is something we’re keen to press on with this year, and will provide us with professional conferencing rooms for meeting with our clients and teams. 

“It is a key part of our growth plans.”

Hartech has been based at Washington Business Centre for seven years, initially moving into a 515sq ft satellite office.

The latest move represents its third expansion at the centre, which is managed by the North East BIC on behalf of Sunderland City Council.

Mark says its combination of office and manufacturing space allows the business to operate under one roof, while its location provides access to key customers, transport links and nearby developments including the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP).

Mark added: “We moved to the centre six or seven years ago and this is the third time we’ve expanded our presence here. It’s been a great home to us.

“The staff couldn’t do any more for you and the fact that it has hybrid office and manufacturing space means we can manage everything under one roof.

“It is also right next to some of our key customers and developments such as the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) and gives us direct access to all of the region’s key transport routes. 

“It just ticks all the boxes.”

Recent Hartech projects have included automation and control systems for water treatment plants, pharmaceutical production lines, automotive paint shops and plastics manufacturers.

The company expects demand to continue as technological advances encourage manufacturers to invest in automation.

Mark added: “The rapid pace at which we’re seeing technology advance means businesses can ill-afford to stand still and this is certainly the case when it comes to automation.

“From water treatment plants to pharmaceutical production lines, automotive paint shops and plastics manufacturing, our team have worked on a wide range of automation and control system projects of late and we see no sign of this slowing as our order book continues to fill.”

Hartech has received support from Sunderland City Council’s business investment team since its launch.

Councillor James Jackson, cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, added: “Sunderland has a rich history when it comes to driving industrial innovation, so it is fantastic to see businesses such as Hartech Automation continuing to invest in the city and fly the flag for the region across the world.

“The additional space will support the creation of yet more high skilled jobs for local people while providing the company with the capacity required to continue winning new orders and competing on the global stage. 

“It is a fantastic success story for the city and we are thrilled to be able to support the company’s continued growth from its base at Washington Business Centre.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.