A FABRICATION business that manufactures industrial heating and cooling systems is expanding its footprint at Port of Sunderland, a year after its launch.

DLAW Contractors was founded in April 2019 by four Sunderland-born oil and gas industry experts, with a combined 72 years’ experience in welding, pipefitting and contracting.

Headed up by former American Air Filters Aftermarket Business Manager, Dale Barry, the quartet launched the business after spotting a gap in the market for the supply of specialised, industrial-scale geothermal heating and cooling systems for the agricultural and energy sectors.

Initially operating from two shipping containers at the port, it took just three months for DLAW to reach capacity, leading to the company moving to its own dedicated 200sqm manufacturing facility in July and doubling its headcount from four to eight.

A year on, DLAW is now continuing to expand its presence at Port of Sunderland, with the acquisition of a larger building just yards from its initial facility, increasing its capacity by 150 per cent from 200sqm to 500sqm.

The company’s investment in a second facility at the port follows a series of contract wins that has seen the firm not only secure the installation work for its cooling systems but also diversify into new markets.

The business decided to invest in Port of Sunderland after being impressed by the accessibility of the site and the facilities on offer.

Mr Barry said he is also a committed advocate for apprenticeships and, with the opening of the new manufacturing hub, is keen to develop opportunities for young people.