An engineering business helping some of the world’s largest manufacturers embrace industrial automation has expanded its North East head office as it continues to grow.
Hartech Automation – which provides bespoke engineering solutions to manufacturers the world-over - has taken on additional space at Washington Business Centre as it seeks to expand into new markets.
The expansion follows a successful year for the business in which it onboarded two new members of staff and secured several new contracts. The deals saw the company expand its presence in target markets such as renewable energy, oil and gas and defence, as well as increase its international reach.
Mark Hardy, managing director of Hartech Automation, 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 Automation specialises in supplying, implementing and overseeing control systems and automation solutions for manufacturers across a range of sectors. The company also supports with legacy upgrades to existing machinery and solutions, enabling businesses to bring old equipment up to date or upgrade it with newer versions. Traditionally, the consultancy has supported companies operating in fields such as automotive, food and drink and pharmaceuticals, however it is now setting its sights further afield.
Mr Hardy 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 Automation has been based at Washington Business Centre – which is managed on behalf of Sunderland City Council by the North East BIC - for seven years, having initially operated from a small 515sq ft satellite office. The decision to expand its presence at the centre and take on an extra 863sq ft – taking its total footprint to 2,403sq ft - was inspired by its proximity to some of the region’s largest manufacturing hubs, the flexibility it offers growing businesses and its access to major transport routes.
Mr Hardy said: “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.”
Hartech Automation has been supported since its launch by the business investment team at Sunderland City Council. Cllr James Jackson, Cabinet Member for Business, Housing and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “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.”
He continued: “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.”