A WAREHOUSE and transport firm plans to create jobs in an expansion backed by near £150,000 funding.

InBond aims to take on 12 staff and secure another three posts after strengthening its presence in Stockton.

Bosses say their new base, which stands next to In- Bond’s existing site and was formerly used by collapsed engineer Cordell Group, will allow for increased storage, as well as distribution and freight services for imported goods including wines, spirits and food.

The expansion has been backed by the SSI Task Force, with £144,000 coming from the Tees Valley capital grant scheme, which is managed by the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

The business also received support from Baldwins Accountants, which has offices across the North-East, and In- Bond finance director Craig Rye said the firm has an exciting future.

He said: “This expansion is going to enable the company to grow both its infrastructure and team, which is fantastic.

“We are also looking to further enhance our pick and pack and e-commerce services within the new premises, so it’s a very exciting time.

“I would like to thank the SSI Task Force for the support it has given us.

“Without the grant, the expansion wouldn’t have been possible.

“Baldwins was excellent throughout the process too.

“From the beginning of the application through to receiving the grant offer, they thoroughly impressed me.”

Founded in the aftermath of Redcar steel firm SSI UK’s collapse into liquidation more than two years ago, the Task Force was set up with the aim of helping companies expand to create jobs for affected staff.

Andrew Rowe, Baldwins director, added: “It’s great to see another Teesside firm benefit from the Task Force grant.

“These funds are a fantastic resource for businesses as they give a helping hand to entrepreneurs, allowing them to progress to the next level, something which may not have been possible without the support of the grant.”