A NORTH-EAST shipping company founded during the reign of Queen Victoria is expanding, thanks to the latest industrial revolution.

Casper Shipping, in Middlesbrough, has recorded a 50 per cent growth in business over the past 12 months, and will be adding to its workforce of 32 to handle booming demand for the shipment of wind farm components and bio-products.

Casper Shipping’s sister company, Camair Freight Solutions, which now has a workforce of 14 operating from Durham Tees Valley (DTV) and Newcastle airports, is also growing fast.

Managing director Michael Shakesheff said: “This year has started with a bang.

“We are trying to support DTV and we believe there is a future for freight through the facility.

“We want to do everything we can to improve the local economy by bringing business to our northern ports and airports, as well as building our own company.

“We are proud of our company history and very committed to the North-East.”

Casper Shipping operates offices along the North Sea coast and handles more than 130 vessels a month at Teesport alone. It has put a five-year development plan in place to ensure it remains at the forefront of the region’s recovery.

Mr Shakesheff said: “If you look at the position of the wind farm sector, this region is ideally placed to create a hub of excellence. We are in a fantastic position as a company and as a port. There are going to be some huge developments and I believe with the knowledge base we have in this region, we are poised for some big wins.”

Casper Shipping has worked closely with Sunderland- based Assessment North-East to improve business performance through its workforce.

Mr Shakesheff said: “Our major strength is the knowledge and expertise we have built up in nearly 140 years of operation. It’s a highly competitive market and having the right staff is key.

“The people we employ are the face of Casper Shipping; in some cases they can be the first person a captain and his crew see after weeks at sea and they are invaluable.

“Some of our employees have been with us for 30 years, operating on the river for decades and are highly experienced.

“They are making sure we have a bright future.”