A HIRE company behind portable buildings has taken on a fellow North-East firm to continue its expansion.

Mobile Mini has brought Gateshead’s Containers 2000 Limited into its operations.

The business, which runs its UK endeavours out of Preston Farm Business Park, on the outskirts of Stockton, has also finalised an agreement for Ipswich’s Mr Box Limited.

Bosses say the deals mean the hire company’s fleet of accommodation and storage containers stands at nearly 40,000 units and provides scope to extend its presence in the retail, hospitality and education sectors.

They added the acquisitions put Mobile Mini’s workforce, which includes staff at branches in Middlesbrough and Sunderland, beyond 400.

Chris Morgan, Mobile Mini’s UK managing director, said Containers 2000, which will be merged into his firm’s existing Wearside base, and Mr Box, which will operate as a separate division, are a perfect fit.

He said: “We are delighted to welcome Containers 2000 and Mr Box to the family.

“Both have strong hire and sales businesses and a reputation for superb customer service and quality products.

“They bring with them a high-quality, highly-utilised fleet of containers and we expect a seamless transition for their existing customers.”

Mr Morgan did not reveal the value of the deals.

Earlier this year, Mobile Mini announced revenues had increased after investment in its rental fleet was met by strong demand from the construction sector.

The company saw half-year revenues lift to nearly £29m, which officials said was helped by a £5.2m venture to buy new rental containers and the expansion of its environmentally- friendly units.