FORTY jobs will be created and one of the region's leading manufacturers is set for a cash windfall after planning was approved to convert a former plastics factory into a discount supermarket.

Nifco UK, based at Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, has agreed a sale subject to contract of its empty plant on Yarm Road which will be demolished and replaced by a 23,000 sq ft Lidl supermarket.

The store is expected to create up to 40 new jobs, with the proceeds of the sale being ploughed back into Nifco’s new factories on Durham Lane, which employ 560 people.

Mike Matthews, managing director of Nifco UK and European operations manager, said: “This is another major milestone for Nifco; as one chapter comes to an end, we start a new, brighter chapter, with all attention focused towards our state-of-the-art facility at Eaglescliffe.

“The anticipated sale of our old site makes way for new developments in Stockton, creating new jobs and facilities that will bolster the area’s economy and benefit the local community. And Nifco’s future will also benefit from the sale as the revenue will be ploughed into our own growth and development, supporting our team and creating new jobs in the future – both here at our base in Eaglescliffe and in our supply chain as we grow.”

The negotiations for the sale of the former manufacturing facility have been advised by Stephen Brown, senior partner of Dodds Brown LLP, Nifco’s retained commercial property adviser, who assisted with the purchase of the business’ current base at Eaglescliffe.

The project was granted planning consent by Stockton Borough Council last month.

Mr Brown said: “Selling this land for a new Lidl store is important progress in optimising the value of the company’s former site on Yarm Road. We expect the new Lidl store to be the start of a new development of retail and leisure facilities on the site, and we already have strong interest from a number of interested parties for the remaining land.”

Matthews added: “Nifco UK has enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Stephen Brown and the wider Dodds Brown company since we purchased the land for our facilities on Yarm Road and because of the level of service and attention to detail in property matters, that relationship continues.”

The land is situated close to Preston Farm and the junction to the A66, meaning it is ideally placed for retail and leisure developments.

For more information about opportunities on the development site, contact Dodds Brown LLP on 01642 244130. Or, for more information about Nifco UK, visit www.nifcoeu.com.

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