A WHEELCHAIR manufacturer is to create 13 jobs as it installs equipment to carry out previously outsourced work in-house.

Greencare Mobility has received a £65,000 Grant for Business Investment from regional development agency One North East.

The firm, based on the Riverside Industrial Estate, in Middlesbrough, has six employees, but is confident it is the right time to expand due to increased demand. It is the only UK company to supply bespoke wheelchairs to the NHS.

Greencare Mobility was established in 2005, by Colin Scarsi and David Batty, who have 20 years experience designing and manufacturing mobility equipment.

Mr Scarsi, said: “Greencare is seeing a growing demand for our products and we want to increase production space to help us capitalise on this growth. It is an exciting project that will create jobs and cement Greencare’s growing reputation in the industry.

“I would like to thank One North East for its guidance and financial support, without which the project may not have happened.”

The majority of the new roles will be in the production department, but there are also others in administration, sales and engineering.

One North East’s director of business and industry Ian Williams said: “The project will take the company to another level and increase staff by more than 200 per cent.

“Overall, the market for bespoke wheelchairs is growing.

Greencare is seeing demand rising and this project will help meet this demand.”