Newton Aycliffe-based BTS Facades and Fabrications has invested £150,000 to upgrade its production equipment to improve operational efficiencies and introduce new processes, allowing for a new product range to be introduced and produced efficiently in volume. The investment has been supported by a capital grant from the County Durham Growth Fund.

Director Phil Atkinson said: “Over the years our business has evolved and grown and now, with the investment we have committed alongside the help we have received from the County Durham Growth Fund, we have been able to invest in new production equipment which will put us in an even stronger position to expand our client portfolio and win new work.”

The County Durham Growth Fund is managed by Business Durham in partnership with UMi and is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). All successful grant applications are appraised by UNW LLP, an independent firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.

Recently the fund was boosted by an additional £4 million which is allowing it to support even more companies in County Durham.

Sarah Slaven, Business Durham interim managing director, said: “County Durham’s manufacturing sector is thriving and thanks to the support available through the County Durham Growth Fund, experienced firms like BTS Facades and Fabrications are able to expand, create jobs and cement a successful future in our area.”

BTS Facades and Fabrications, which supplies metals for window and cladding technology nationally alongside design and production services, recorded a turnover of £8.3 million in March 2020.

Over the past two years, BTS has invested in five new machines for its facility in Newton Aycliffe — including a panel bender and a new press — to make its manufacturing processes more streamlined and efficient.

Mr Atkinson added: “Our strategy for automated equipment is paying off; we have the best automation in the industry, and we always research extensively into the best available machines and software.”

Simon Allen, UMi investment centre director, said: “The fund is making a real difference to companies across County Durham, which have ambitious plans to grow and require funding support to enable their plans to become a reality.”

John Healey, UNW LLP corporate finance partner, said “It is always great to see growing companies receive support from the County Durham Growth Fund. BTS Facades and Fabrications is an excellent example of how this fund can help to support investment and job creation.”