A TANKER operator aims to shift up a gear after a £250,000 expansion.

Suttons Tankers has improved its 250-fleet Stockton lorry park.

The work was overseen by construction and steel fabrication firm, Raisco, and Stiller Warehousing and Distribution.

Raisco, based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, renovated more than 4,500sq metres at the site, laying block paving and putting in new hard standing, drainage and a petrol interceptor.

The company is recognised more for its steel and construction contracts, which include an agreement to make and erect 450 tonnes of steel for a London Lidl store.

However, Dene Gregory, construction manager, said the lorry park was proof of its versatility.

He said: “The new site will vastly improve congestion and increase on-site parking and storage.

“While we handle major steel contracts the length and breadth of Britain, our construction division continues to grow.

“We were delighted to work with two local firms on a project that will enable Suttons to expand its Teesside operations.”

Suttons Tankers operates within the Suttons Group, which previously spent £26.9m to buy bulk chemical operator, Imperial Tankers, from Hargreaves Services, based in Esh Winning, County Durham.

It runs sites around the world, however, Darren Mathieson, Stockton operations manager, said its North-East base was one of the most important.

He added: “This is a major development for Suttons, which is going to benefit us hugely going forward.

“This is the biggest site within the Suttons group, which has 250 tankers going in and out on a daily basis, so to have all this extra space is going to improve operations.”

Raisco’s work was carried out on land owned by fellow Aycliffe firm, Stiller.

Paul Stiller, managing director, said the project was a great example of working in partnership to support the region’s supply chain.

He added: “We’re delighted to have assisted our tenants.

“The site is in a prime location, on Preston Farm Industrial Estate, and we’re always looking for ways to improve the standards and safety of all our properties.

“This is a fine example of two Aycliffe companies coming together and doing a great job.”

Raisco previously secured a contract to support the building of a school on the Outer Hebrides, off Scotland’s west coast, and its order book also includes a Sunderland Lidl shop and 160-tonne Glasgow apartment block.