A THIRD-GENERATION logistics company is carrying out multi-million pound work to extend its quayside to attract larger cargo deliveries.

AV Dawson, near Middlesbrough, is re-engineering its wharf berths to a depth of eight metres and lengthening its quayside by 150 metres to cater for larger ships.

The firm, based on the banks of the River Tees, is this year celebrating its 75th anniversary and employs 160 people in road, rail and sea transportation links.

Its investment follows a multi-million pound finance agreement with Santander Corporate & Commercial, and support from the Government's Regional Growth Fund.

John Young, AV Dawson financial director, said: “Santander have really taken the time to understand our business and deliver an innovative funding solution which will help us achieve our goals of business growth, brand development and job creation.

“The whole team show real enthusiasm for what we want to achieve and always communicate clearly with us, it is a refreshing way to work with a bank.”

See Thursday's Jobs & Business supplement for Deputy Business Editor Steven Hugill's in-depth look at AV Dawson's expansion plans, which include the new quayside and a £2.5m rail terminal linking it to the East Coast Main Line.

There's also all the latest job vacancies and how Sir Richard Branson is putting his support behind North-East entrepreneurs.