A FORKLIFT truck hire firm is eyeing further expansion after a factory move provided a platform for growth.

Cathedral Pallet Trucks has refused to rule out creating new jobs and extending its 5,000sq ft base on Mandale Business Park.

The company, which lists Debenhams and Dixons as customers, is in contract talks with two retailers that officials say could boost its £1m turnover by at least a third.

If the negotiations prove fruitful, Phil Trott, Cathedral’s managing director, said he will add to his workforce and consider doubling the business’ premises by taking on space in a neighbouring unit.

Mr Trott founded Cathedral 25 years ago with “one van, one box of tools and one pound in the bank”, and it now delivers forklift and pallet truck hire and sales services to operators including Homebase and UK Mail.

However, he said the venture has been given further invigoration by its move to Mandale.

He said: “It’s like we’ve gone from a rusty Mondeo to a brand new, top-of-the-range Maserati.

“It was built to our spec, tailored to our needs, with Mandale ensuring front of house was exactly what we wanted, while we’ve invested behind the scenes too.

“We couldn’t be happier and it’s already helping us attract new, high-quality staff. I hope it’s going to be our home for good.”

Owners of Mandale Business Park, the Mandale Group, say Cathedral’s success can be a template for other firms.

Joe Darragh, property specialist, added: “What we’ve done for firms who’ve taken units is work closely with them to understand their requirements and ensure they get exactly what they want.

“For Cathedral, we designed and created an admin office, kitchens, toilets and a mess room with electrics, lighting and heating.

“However, we’ve designed all the units with energy efficiency in mind, ensuring we keep running and maintenance costs low.

“Each of the units have been re-cladded, roofs and floors have been replaced and new car parks installed.

“These facilities are as good as you’ll find anywhere.”

Mandale previously oversaw the regeneration of Hartlepool Marina and has further developments in Newcastle and Stockton.