A leading manufacturer and international distributor of bearings, power transmission and motion transfer linkage products, Dunlop BTL is expanding into the North East following a £2.2m investment.
Based in Ashford (Kent), Dunlop BTL has been awarded a £250,000 Let’s Grow RGF grant enabling it to expand into the former KP crisps factory in Consett, County Durham.
The move is expected to create around 60 new jobs – 35 of which will be appointed in the short term.
Supplying its products to OEMs in the engineering; industrial; automotive, and agricultural market sectors and via a network of authorised distributors, the business also secured a commercial loan from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking to support the purchase of the new premises.
The firm’s managing director, Ray Mifsud commented: “Dunlop BTL Ltd is proud to be a UK manufacturer supplying to some of the world’s most prestigious original equipment manufacturers.
“The grant has enabled us to move to a new level within our industry and we’re now ideally placed to increase our manufacturing capabilities and expand our customer base, not just in the UK, but around the world.
“Our building purchase gives much needed space from which to grow. We can add to our skill set by employing local people and expanding our knowledge. With a globally recognised brand name such as Dunlop the opportunities facing our company are endless.”
Established in 1991, Dunlop has experienced rapid expansion in recent years, including significant export growth. Turnover is expected to increase by more than 50% with a focus on exports, which will treble after the expansion.
It plans to see its new premises at No 1 Industrial Estate – the one time home of Phileas Fogg snacks – become its main European manufacturing and distribution centre, producing approximately 50% of its products, while other items are produced in factories from around the world.
The company’s four-year plan will see it grow from 70 to more than 100 jobs with 60 staff being based at Consett by the end of 2019.
