A PORTABLE building and storage container hire firm has lauded the impact of an expansion plan after the move helped deliver a record result.

Mobile Mini says its decision to take on market rivals and extend into new sectors has provided good momentum.

According to figures for the 12 months to December, revealed today (Monday, March 5), turnover reached £66.6m, which was an 11.3 per cent rise on the previous year.

The company, which runs UK operations from headquarters on Preston Farm Business Park, on the outskirts of Stockton, previously took on Gateshead’s Containers 2000 and Ipswich’s Mr Box to strengthen its market standing.

It has also expanded further into non-construction markets, with its containers increasingly used across the retail, hospitality and education sectors.

Chris Morgan, managing director, said progress at the firm, which earlier this year revealed an £800,000 Kent expansion to target greater work in London and the South-East, was extremely pleasing.

He said “2017 has been another successful year in terms of growth, driven by continued investment in our people, products and equipment.

“The significant investment in our branch network has given us increased capacity, improved working conditions for our employees and helped us to maintain our excellent reputation for high-quality products.

“Investment in our branch infrastructure will continue to be a priority for us over the next 12 months, helping us to maintain our market-leading position.”

Mr Morgan added the company, which runs branches in Middlesbrough and Sunderland, now has almost 40,000 units, with its portfolio stretching across storage containers, portable offices, canteens and welfare facilities.

The business employs nearly 450 staff and operates a training centre in Liverpool.