A TEESSIDE company has unveiled its latest £500,000 investment aimed at doubling capacity at its machining facility.

Tees Components unveiled its CNC horizontal boring mill at a virtual commissioning ceremony, hosted by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

The ceremony took place at its facility in North Skelton, near Saltburn, where staff and contractors gathered to see the machine running for the first time. With strict Covid-safe measures in place on site, the mayor performed the commissioning via a video.

The £500,000 investment, a Hyundai Wia KBN 135CL, which was supplied by machine tool specialist TW Ward CNC Machinery Ltd of Sheffield will enable Tees Components to double capacity of this type at its CNC machining facility in Skelton.

Managing director Sharon Lane said: "We are really pleased that we were able to celebrate such an important milestone, albeit in a very unique way."

“We appreciate the cooperation of the mayor in welcoming this significant investment, and also the team at TW Ward who were very flexible and attentive to our updated health and safety working practices to ensure that the installation could be completed efficiently.

“This significant investment is an essential element in supporting the delivery of our growing pipeline of projects, and we are ready to push ahead with our growth plans.”

The machining capacity is ideal for precision components for defence, power, and oil and gas sectors.

The TW team joined in celebrations, including managing director Simon Whitworth and Stuart Lawson, head of strategic accounts and projects.

Mr Whitworth said: “We have a proud and long-standing relationship with Tees Components which began with the supply of a Webster & Bennett vertical boring machine four decades ago up until the two recent installations of their new Hyundai Wia KBN 135CL horizontal boring machines.

“Throughout this time, they have continuously showcased their capability and commitment to their customers and it is a privilege to support such an esteemed organisation, both throughout the installations and during this unique celebratory event.

“Now that the machine has been commissioned, we look forward to continuing this relationship by supporting Sharon and the Tees Components team with any technical or applications support required on their new projects.”

Mr Houchen said: “Tees Components is a business that is going from strength to strength. This is the exact type of business that we want to see in the Tees Valley, it shows what the our communities and people have to offer.

“Despite the current pandemic, we have businesses that are continuing to win business, invest new equipment and machinery like this new horizontal borer, and invest in its people.

“Tees Components is a shining example of what we should be striving to achieve for all businesses across the Tees Valley, good quality advanced manufacturing businesses that look after local people.”