Steel Benders UK is developing former Caparo site in Hartlepool
Steel Benders UK has taken on a multi-million pound project that will see the ambitious company move away from Middlesbrough for the first time since it was founded 21 years ago.
The transformation of the former Caparo and Blacksmiths site on Brenda Road in Hartlepool, which has been largely demolished since its closure in 2015, will result in the creation of at least 15 new jobs and a host of new opportunities.
It will also increase capacity and create more options for Steel Benders, already one of the leading steel processing specialists in the UK, particularly in the North.
Tania Cooper, managing director of Steel Benders, said: “The £2 million project as a whole will create more jobs and it will be the first time we have a fit-for-purpose site.”
“There will be enormous opportunities in the coming months and years and this represents a major step for us, enabling us to become more diverse and work in larger markets.”
Steel Benders has outgrown the space rented from Readman Steel on Dockside Road in Middlesbrough and the new site will allow them to accommodate more equipment and provide more space for crane transport and logistics.
Work has already begun to renovate the abandoned brick house along Brenda Road. Once completed, it will provide office space and a base for the only 8m x 2m fiber laser cutting bed in the north of England.
Over the next two years, Steel Benders will gradually complete the move to Hartlepool after receiving support from Hartlepool Borough Council and a grant from the UMi-managed Tees Valley Combined Authority to help with capital expenditure and job creation.
Tania said: “It was extremely important to stay in the Tees Valley as we have a number of significant contracts here. Logistically the new location is perfect, Hartlepool had the right location for us, the right piece of land.
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“This is a huge vote of confidence for the organization and the team. We are building a brand new facility, a custom home that will provide Steel Benders with a foundation for growth for years to come.”
And Cllr Mike Young, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, has welcomed the move.
He said: “The news that Steel Benders UK is moving its entire business to Hartlepool is fantastic news for our town and the wider business community.”
“This investment at an industrial level will create new jobs and it’s great to see the growth and success they have experienced over the last few years. “I’m delighted they’ve chosen Hartlepool and wish them here Good luck to Hartlepool.”
Steel Benders operates in a variety of markets including marine, defense, renewable energy, offshore, petrochemical, manufacturing, architecture and civil engineering.
In addition to using the fiber laser cutting bed, they also offer press brakes, plasma cutters and HD profile torch services and the additional capacity will allow them to become the “supplier of choice” on large wind farm projects in the coming years.
Phil Anderson, Operations Manager at Steel Benders, said: “Our current home at Readman Steel’s site in Middlesbrough has been great and working with them as one of our customers has been fantastic.”
“But we have outgrown the site, having started there 21 years ago with six employees, and now we have more than 30 employees and are looking to expand the workforce with even more employees.
“Originally we had six machines and now we have more than 50, so we can respond to each customer’s needs and we can support even more with their manufacturing projects in the future.”
“We are currently working in two sheds and will be building three larger sheds as well as a laser shed. This allows us an additional 5m height and a larger environment. We will be able to hold more inventory and speed up production.
“With this move we are proud to remain on Teesside where we want to utilize local talent.”
