A PORTABLE building firm is toasting record results after an £11.6m investment provided a catalyst for growth.

Mobile Mini says work to upgrade its fleet of containers and trucks helped push UK revenues higher.

According to latest results, revealed today by The Northern Echo, annual income hit £59.8m in 2016, which was 3.8 per cent higher on the previous year.

Bosses say a £7.9m drive to take the company’s fleet of containers, offices, canteens and portable toilets to nearly 40,000 was pivotal in the rise, adding a separate £3.7m decision to upgrade and add wagons to its operations was equally important.

They added the latter took the company’s fleet of lorry-mounted loader crane vehicles to 50, which is the largest of its kind in the country.

The firm runs its UK endeavours from Preston Farm Business Park, on the outskirts of Stockton, and previously said it was targeting greater work in the retail, hospitality and education sectors after takeover deals.

Chris Morgan, managing director at the business, which has branches in Middlesbrough and Sunderland, said it was committed to further expansion, revealing that focus will be helped by further investments in a pioneering welfare unit said to be the most cost-effective and environmentally- efficient building of its kind.

Mr Morgan said: “2016 has been another successful year in terms of growth, with continued investment in our people, products and equipment.

“Expansion across the country means we’re confident we will always have the right products on offer for our customers when they need them.

“As we move through the next 12 months, we’re determined to maintain our market-leading position by continuing to invest in growing and refurbishing our fleet, as well as the talented team at the company.”

Late last year, Mobile Mini revealed it had taken on Gateshead’s Containers 2000 to continue its expansion and finalised an agreement for Ipswich’s Mr Box.

Speaking at the time, Mr Morgan said Containers 2000 would be merged into Mobile Mini’s Wearside base with Mr Box operating as a separate division.

He added: “They bring with them a high-quality fleet of containers and we expect a seamless transition for existing customers.”

Mobile Mini has its global headquarters in Arizona.