A WASTE company boss has called on regeneration officials to bring more manufacturers to the region after revealing expansion and job creation plans following a £15m turnover boost.

Alex Foreman says a concerted drive is needed to make the area a go-to place for growing businesses.

Mr Foreman, managing director at Darlington-based Total Recycling Services, has called on new Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen to put the issue at the top of his priority list, to build on the region’s “great heritage in manufacturing excellence.”

He also confirmed he wants to expand his business, known for commercial recycling and hazardous waste recovery, with a site acquisition to support more jobs.

Citing the impact of Sunderland- based car maker Nissan, which employs nearly 7,000 staff directly on Wearside and supports thousands more supply chain posts, Mr Foreman said it was imperative the area strengthens its industrial credentials.

He was speaking after revealing his company, which works with customers such as heavy-duty truck maker Caterpillar, based in Peterlee, east Durham, hit turnover of £15m.

He said: “The region has fallen on hard times over the years with the demise of SSI UK and other large-scale manufacturers such as Rothmans, Electrolux and Walkers.

“However, over the years, we have worked to create a strong infrastructure in the Tees Valley to support largescale manufacturing operations.

“We have excellent transport links, including Teesport, cheaper land prices and a skilled and ready workforce available.

“The mayor’s office needs to ensure the region grabs the opportunity to expand and put a strategy in place to engage with not only new business coming to the region, but large manufacturers looking to grow.

“Ultimately we need to showcase why the Tees Valley is attractive for manufacturers on an international scale and we need a definitive plan in place to do it.”

Mr Foreman previously told The Northern Echo of his plans to take turnover at his business to £30m in the next five years, and said its £15m achievement was proof of its progress.

The firm operates from two sites, with a head office, distribution services and hazardous waste base on Darlington’s Lingfield Way complemented by a nearby Palms Court recycling facility.

It also recently launched an industrial cleaning operation.

Mr Foreman founded the company during the recession and it now has a headcount of about 100 full-time workers, though he hopes to increase employee numbers over the next six months.

He added: “The region is going through a period of growth and we are delighted to be growing with it.

“We have already embraced the increase in demand through a new industrial cleaning services division and believe the current market condition is promising.

“We feel it’s the right time for an acquisition as the market is strong and robust.”