A CORPORATE clothing company has seen a record year of success and is doubling the size of its workforce.

Workwear Express has moved into a factory on Belmont Industrial Estate, in Durham, which houses more than £1m of stock.

The company, which employs 20 people, has appointed another three staff in customer services and production and plans to take on another six next year.

Andrew Ward, managing director, said: "The new factory, combined with an enlarged warehouse facility, will allow us to take on more business and remain competitive in an increasingly competitive market."

The company, which already supplies software company Sage and Durham County Council, has recently won a contract with bakery Greggs to provide thousands of uniforms to staff at hundreds of shops across the UK.

Wimpey restaurants, Mitie plc, and Scottish Hydro Electricity have also placed their uniform business with Workwear.

Other clients include health trusts, local authorities, educational institutions, the motor trade and sports organisations.

The company was formed by managing director Andrew Ward and his wife, Angie, in 1999. They established the company from their home in Coxhoe, initially specialising in safety wear.

Mr Ward said: "We are now based next to the former LG Philips factory and are creating badly-needed jobs in the area."

"We are now on target to reach a two-million turnover this year and want to move to a three-million turnover by 2007.

"Our aim is to be the most successful and competitive corporate and promotional clothing business in the UK."