H-Mix, one of the first tenants to move to Lynefield Park in Lynemouth, Northumberland, the site of the former Alcan Aluminium smelter plant, is looking towards future expansion with plans to increase production facilities supporting Harworth Group’s multi-million pound plans to regenerate the area.
The company, which serves the North East’s construction industry including homebuilders, civil engineering companies, builders’ merchants and general contractors, has bucked market trends and a decline in overall industry growth, with construction output reported as being down 1.7% in May 2018 (three months on three months series *ONS). In contrast, H-Mix has seen concrete production at its Northumberland facility increase by 18% since January.
Formed in 2015, the ready-mixed concrete manufacturing business has recently recruited two new employees at its one acre, two plant site in order to meet demand from local and national customers. This has taken current numbers to eight along with 1.5 temporary staff. The company also has plans to increase production facilities at its Lynefield Park HQ with the possibility of new investment in external plant equipment, manufacturing capability and additional commercial space.
This would further support site owners, Harworth Group’s long-term vision to develop a strategic industrial zone attracting significant inward investment, large manufacturing companies and creating a gateway and sustainable masterplan for South East Northumberland that encourages new employment and benefits the region and local communities.
John Hudson, Managing Director of H-Mix Limited commented, “Despite the construction sector going through somewhat of an uncertain period over the last few years with the exception of the housing sector, we have seen demand for our products continue to grow and therefore we are looking very much to the future with expansion in mind.
“We’re currently a £3m turnover company with a number of significant business opportunities in the pipeline. This is with a view to expanding our concrete manufacturing capabilities, widening our services, entering into new markets, creating more jobs and further demonstrating our commitment to the area as a local employer.
“Our plans very much compliment the vision that Harworth has for the site and creates a strong ‘manufacturing hub’ alongside neighbouring companies such as Lynx Precast Limited. We’re very much looking at our long-term future here at Lynefield Park as the site meets all of the requirements that a business like ours needs; namely large-scale industrial space, excess land and good access to main transport links, especially road, rail and the nearby port. We’re therefore in a very good position to move forward and grow the business.”
Working closely with Harworth Group, H-Mix is one of a number of manufacturing companies located at Lynefield Park, with several new tenants due to relocate to the 1.3 million sq ft (175 acres) brownfield site over the forthcoming months. It has a number of B1, B2 and B8 industrial units available ranging from 9,000 to 40,000 sq ft and can accommodate future units of up to 500,000 sq ft on a freehold or design and build basis.
Eddie Peat, Director of Harworth Group (North East & Corporate Development) added, “Lynefield Park is one of the largest brownfield development sites in the North East and Harworth Group has planning permission for four industrial zones including opportunities for bespoke-build units. We work very closely with tenants like H-Mix to support their ongoing business activities and plans by the company to expand can only be a good thing for the site as well as the local community.
“We have significant interest in Lynefield Park from companies looking to relocate or grow regionally and this could provide new and replacement jobs following the closure of traditional industries. This is a crucial part in our vision for the site in order to stimulate growth, investment and deliver a sustainable long-term plan.”
