A POWER tools company has agreed a factory deal to bolster its presence in the region.

Stanley Black & Decker has signed a new lease for the 220,000 sq ft Meadowfield building at DurhamGate, on the outskirts of Spennymoor.

The agreement at the site, once home to excavator parts maker Berco UK, means Stanley Black & Decker has extended its presence in the area, having relocated its European product development centre, UK spares and returns operations and factory shop from its original DurhamGate plant.

The Meadowfield building has been owned and managed by developer Arlington Real Estate since 2005, and Allan Cook, managing director, said he is delighted to see the power tools firm commit its future.

He said: “Stanley Black & Decker is an iconic global brand and has been an important employer in the area since the 1960s.

“It has developed tools and equipment used the world over by professionals and DIY enthusiasts, which is a legacy that has continued following its initial move across DurhamGate.

“By taking the entire Meadowfield building, the company has signalled its ongoing commitment to the area.”

Stanley Black & Decker employs more than 100 staff on the site and Nick Atkinson, director at HTA Real Estate, which acted on behalf of Arlington in the deal, said the move is a significant one.

“We are delighted that Stanley Black & Decker is consolidating its long association with the area by taking the additional space.

“This building attracted a steady stream of interest from a number of international manufacturing companies.”

Berco left the building in 2016 after succumbing to falling orders.

At the time, The Northern Echo revealed the move had affected 18 workers, with the business’ factory in North-East Italy benefiting from the changes.

The company had used the Spennymoor site to put the finishing touches to undercarriages used on track-mounted excavators.

Arlington is also known for overseeing Durham City's £150m Milburngate development.

The operator, alongside the Richardson family, is transforming the site, with its riverside endeavour including a Pitcher & Piano bar, an Everyman Cinema, apartments, further restaurants and bars and offices.

Premier Inn also plans to open a hotel and Bar + Block steakhouse on the site, subject to planning permission.