A TRANSPORT company says it has shifted up a gear after moving to a new warehouse.

Nicholson’s Transport says its 15,000sq ft site on Durham Lane Industrial Estate, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, is helping drive growth.

The company took on the base, close to plastic car parts maker Nifco UK’s factories, late last year, saying it would cater for greater customer demand across Darlington and County Durham, thanks to its proximity to the A19 and A1.

Now, speaking just seven months later, David Nicholson, managing director, said his faith has been rewarded, with work from businesses, such as bathroom suppliers and crisp and drink makers strengthening Nicholson’s trading.

He also said the site, which has created six jobs, is benefiting from companies’ need to shift goods quickly, with many using its space to outsource picking and packing work to save opening their own warehouse.

Mr Nicholson said: “It had been clear for some time we needed to expand beyond Teesside as we were picking up a lot of business around Darlington and County Durham.

“It’s very encouraging we are picking up new customers all the time.

“Many of our warehouse customers are growing businesses, which have lots of stock but neither the time nor the space to be able to manage it effectively, giving it the attention it needs.

“For them, we are taking away the problem of how they process orders and get goods to their own customers safely and efficiently.”

Mr Nicholson founded the business in 1987 with just one truck, but it now employs 60 staff and has a fleet of around 25 vehicles.

The company runs its headquarters out of Billingham, near Stockton.