Electrical engineering firm AR Controls Ltd (www.ar-controls.co.uk) has purchased new premises in Sunderland, following a £500,000 funding package from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Based on the Sunrise Enterprise Park, the business will add £100,000 of its own capital to secure a 16,000ft² building at the site.

After outgrowing its two existing sites, the company is looking to diversify and increase the efficiency of its operations, with its two smaller premises closing soon and the new base enabling it to manage larger-scale projects.

In addition to mechanical and electrical technology development and upgrades, the business now supports the manufacture of industrial equipment for its North East customer base in the automotive and construction sectors.

The expansion of the business, which currently has a 20-strong workforce and an annual turnover of £1.5 million, should lead to another five staff — including two apprentices — by the end of 2017.

AR Controls director Andy Ramsey said: “We’ve seen considerable growth over the past year, with an increased demand for our specialist services as we continue to strengthen our customer relationships.

“The funding from Lloyds Bank has enabled us to invest in the new premises, increase process efficiencies — communications across the business — and continue with our plans to diversify our services.

“As we bed into our new home, we’ll also be looking to grow our team, which will include several apprenticeship roles. We’re extremely passionate about fostering young engineering talent in the region, which will in turn help to build the future of our business.”