A MOULDINGS firm known for keeping tanks moving has created new jobs and spent £200,000 to maintain its growth.

Icon Plastics has bought equipment to meet rising demand.

Bosses say the new plastic injection machinery has increased capacity at their plant in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton.

They added the investment has also delivered jobs, with a new operations manager and three line operators joining the workforce.

Gareth Thomas, Icon’s managing director, said the machines use robotic technology and computer design, and are capable of making components for the medical, construction, defence and automotive sectors.

The business, which employs more than 50 people and previously helped improve plates for Challenger 2 tanks, says its expansion means it now has nearly 30 injection moulding machines to cater for future orders.

Phil Walker, operations director, said the equipment, made by Negribossi, will give the company an added edge.

He added: “Over the last 12 months, we have invested more than £400,000 so we can continue accommodating contract wins.

“The Negribossi machines are a major upgrade; they are more accurate and efficient than previous machines thanks to their motors, which use technology more often seen in industrial robots.

“It means we are more productive than ever, allowing us to increase our client base, expand our workforce and future-proof the business.”

Icon is led by Mr Thomas, who took on the company eight years ago when it was just months away from being shut down.

Using his industry connections from a number of previous high-powered roles in the sector, he poured his personal assets into the venture.

Ripping out inefficiencies and focusing on quality products, Mr Thomas says he put Icon in a position where it could pounce when rivals succumbed to the recession.

The firm has also since bought and refurbished a derelict site on Eaglescliffe’s Durham Lane Industrial Estate after support from UK Steel Enterprise.

Mr Thomas added: “We had some dark nights but I knew it would come right.

“In the early days we had no lines of credit, no loans, no help from the Government - nothing came our way.

“The only calls we were getting were from the VAT man.

“But we now have a team who can take the business forward.

“People say to me, ‘you are really lucky’, but sometimes you have to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes to know the real story.

“It has not been easy but fortune favours the brave.”