BOSSES at car parts maker Nifco UK have underlined their commitment to create hundreds of jobs in the region, as they drove forward plans to build the firm’s third new factory this decade.

Nifco, based at Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, this week celebrates its 25th anniversary in the North-East. As revealed last month by The Northern Echo the firm has been looking at locations across Tees Valley, including sites in Darlington, where it plans to build a new factory to support its expansion plans.

Mike Matthews, Nifco’s Darlington-born boss, is about to agree a deal with developers to launch the latest phase of the firm’s expansion. The new factory will support ambitions to increase staff numbers from 500 to 800 and boost turnover by a third over the next three years.

Mr Matthews, who is Nifco managing director and its European operations officer, said: “It’s fantastic to be celebrating a milestone year on Teesside.

“Nifco is committed to the area, something that has been made clear with the heavy investment we have made in two facilities – and of course the confirmation that we are in talks for a third factory with a number of local sites.”

Since it took over a former shoe heel factory on Yarm Road, Stockton in 1990 Nifco has gone on to be hailed by ministers and automotive

leaders as one of the cornerstones of the UK supply chain. It has undergone a dramatic turnaround since it was close to calling in administrators at the start of the downturn.

Mr Matthews added: “To have made such a long-term commitment to the area is fantastic, when you consider that only a decade ago, there was a real risk that the business would close. It’s a really proud milestone for the whole team here, and a great chance for us all to reflect on the huge progress we have made as a business.”