‘It will provide us with the space required to continue bringing in new staff’

An ambitious Wearside engineering company has revealed plans to expand into new markets and take on more staff.

Cllr James Jackson (left) and Mark Hardy (right) with members of the Hartech Automation team. | other 3rd party

placeholder image — Cllr James Jackson (left) and Mark Hardy (right) with members of the Hartech Automation team. | other 3rd party

Hartech Automation already helps manufacturers all over the world by providing them with bespoke engineering solutions.

But now the business is expanding its space at Washington Business Centre as it seeks to expand into new markets on the back of winning a number of projects.

The deals saw the company expand its presence in target markets such as renewable energy, oil and gas and defence, as well as increase its international reach.

Managing director Mark Hardy said: “The company has grown significantly over recent years, and this expansion will be key to ensuring that continues.

Cllr James Jackson, Cabinet Member for Business, Housing and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council and Mark Hardy, Managing Director of Hartech Automation. | other 3rd party

“It will provide us with the space required to continue bringing in new staff, which is something we’re keen to press on with this year, and will provide us with professional conferencing rooms for meeting with our clients and teams. It is a key part of our growth plans.”

Hartech Automation specialises in providing automation solutions for manufacturers across a range of sectors. It also helps businesses to bring old equipment up to date or upgrade it with newer versions.

Mark added: “The rapid pace at which we’re seeing technology advance means businesses can ill-afford to stand still and this is certainly the case when it comes to automation.

“From water treatment plants to pharmaceutical production lines, automotive paint shops and plastics manufacturing, our team have worked on a wide range of automation and control system projects of late and we see no sign of this slowing as our order book continues to fill.”

Hartech Automation is ready to expand and the news was celebrated by Cllr James Jackson, Cabinet Member for Business, Housing and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council and Mark Hardy, Managing Director of Hartech Automation. | other 3rd party

Hartech Automation has been based at Washington Business Centre – which is managed on behalf of Sunderland City Council by the North East BIC - for seven years.

But it wants to expand and take on an extra 863sq ft which will take its total footprint to 2,403sq ft.

Hartech Automation has been supported since its launch by the business investment team at Sunderland City Council.

Cllr James Jackson, Cabinet Member for Business, Housing and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland has a rich history when it comes to driving industrial innovation, so it is fantastic to see businesses such as Hartech Automation continuing to invest in the city and fly the flag for the region across the world.

“The additional space will support the creation of yet more high skilled jobs for local people while providing the company with the capacity required to continue winning new orders and competing on the global stage.

“It is a fantastic success story for the city and we are thrilled to be able to support the company’s continued growth from its base at Washington Business Centre.”