A PLASTICS firm has reiterated expansion plans after marking its 15th anniversary with a record financial performance.

Plastic Mouldings Northern says it is moving closer to realising a growth ambition after seeing sales rise.

The update comes after The Northern Echo exclusively revealed the Bishop Auckland- based business had identified a plot to expand in a £1m investment that could take its workforce to around the 40 mark in the next five years.

The Echo’s intervention previously helped Plastic Mouldings gain contact with Business Durham, Durham County Council’s business division, which is now supporting its factory move.

According to its latest results, sales grew by more than 10 per cent to £2.3m at the end of May, which cofounder Freddy Bourdais said was firm proof of its need to expand.

The business’ proposed new 12,000sq ft operation will be based close to its existing South Church Enterprise Park site and has been designed by Middlesbroughbased Logic Architecture, with Gary Marshall, from Steel River Cost and Project Management, of Stockton, overseeing project management.

Mr Bourdais previously told the Echo it would ease fears a lack of space could harm supply agreements with leading DIY chains, and said the development would help deliver another 15 years, at least, of success.

He said: “There hasn’t been a year where we haven’t grown; it has picked up gradually year-on-year.

“There were only four of us when we started out 15 years ago and even eight years ago there were only six of us – now we have a team of 20.

“We work across a whole range of industries.

“One minute we could be supplying material for the automotive industry, which is what we’re mostly known for, and the next minute we’ll be producing low-volume packaging solutions in other niche sectors.

“In 15 years, I can probably count on one hand the amount of clients who have left us, and I think that’s because we’re always looking outside of the box.”

Known for deals with operators such as Homebase, B&Q and Wickes, the business has also built up an industry reputation for supplying Jouplast adjustable risers, which ensure decking and paving slabs sit even, having previously gained an exclusivity agreement to distribute the equipment across Britain.

But Mr Bourdais previously told the Echo its space predicament could have harmed supply agreements with leading DIY chains, highlighting what he saw as vendors preferring land sales to the housebuilding sector, rather than wanting to help businesses grow.

While a temporary rental agreement in nearby Coundon eased its cramped confines, Mr Bourdais said it was a very real prospect that the company may have had to walk away from further contracts if it hadn’t been successful in finding land.

However, he said the firm is now in position to go past such fears, praising Business Durham and the council for their support.

He added: “John Parnell from Business Durham has given us support, as has Laura Eden in the planning department, who has helped us avoid unnecessary delays.”