Lighting control systems designer to double workforce after securing investment

A Hartlepool-based firm that specializes in the design of cost-effective lighting control systems has revealed plans to double its manufacturing workforce after securing a £100,000 investment, a recent news report in the local media has been able to reveal.

Durable Technologies has secured the equity and loan investment from UK Steel Enterprise expects to double its workforce to 12 and its turnover to about £600,000 in the next year.

The company made the decision to move production to the UK after initially having parts made in Croatia. Having started out in one small office at UK Steel Enterprise’s Innovation Centre it now occupies two of the largest units.

Managing director Alex Carter, who has 30 years of experience in electronic design and started the company in 2008 with his wife Lorraine, said: "We could not have done what we have done without being here and having UK Steel Enterprise’s support.

"Finding finance is not easy for smaller companies as funders can be risk averse and this £100,000 is vital at this stage to move production forward.

"We can manufacture quicker and cheaper here than overseas, are constantly developing new products to ensure we continue to lead the field and are committed to using local suppliers."

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