A MACHINERY supplier has revealed job plans following an expansion into a new County Durham base.

Rondean Limited aims to take on staff after moving into a second unit on Drum Industrial Estate.

Bosses say the 3,000sq ft site, on the outskirts of Chester-le-Street, will allow the business to continue growing, having built a strong reputation for its machinery refurbishing services since the mid- 1980s.

They added it will also provide a platform to recruit up to 12 people, including an operations manager, machine tool fitters and sales and support staff.

Ron Lewis, managing director, said the business now has 11,000sq ft of operating and storage space at the industrial estate, having previously taken the decision to move from Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, also County Durham.

The business sells machine tools to engineering, sheet metal and woodworking companies and Mr Lewis said it will use its new home as a launch pad for fresh growth, adding it continues to benefit from demand for UK-made apparatus and what he claims is an impeccable reputation on service.

He said: “The expansion allows us to continue our growth plans and recruitment of further staff.

“We have a policy of only providing customers with truly exceptional products; this keeps us well ahead of the game and ensures the North-East has the best machinery available.

“We are very proud of the fact that during our 32-year history we have never had to take one machine back.”

The firm was supported in its move by Gordon Brown Law Firm, which has offices in Chester-le- Street and Newcastle, and has helped Rondean for years.

Gordon Brown, a consultant at the business, said it was a pleasure to see the company taking another step forward.

He added: “One of the great joys of having been in practice for nearly four decades is the opportunity to forge close relationships with clients, such as the one I have with Ron.

“While the move from Tanfield Lea was protracted, due to complex negotiations with the freehold owner, it has worked out well for Rondean as the company is now in a much better location, being just over a mile away from the A1.

“The new premises will also allow it to implement its growth plans and welcome new staff.”