Expansion project

The hydraulics company, which has doubled its turnover in the first two years of operation, is using the funding to support a £70,000 project that will see it take over an adjacent unit and recruit staff, including a welder, three machinists and a part-time administrator.

Ian Williams, One North East's director of business and industry, said: ‘I’m pleased this project will help DR Hydraulics continue to develop its Washington operation and open up the opportunity to bid for larger, high-value contracts.

‘The potential market for hydraulic repair and fabrication is huge, given that most manufacturers use some form of hydraulic machinery, and I hope that this investment from One North East helps establish DR’s credentials as a genuine regional success story.’

Mark Dunville, managing director, added: ‘We are keen to grow the business but want to keep it at a level where we can maintain a hands-on role. By expanding the company in this way and buying new machinery, we will be able to take on larger pieces of work and increase our customer base.