Sunderland firm expands into new factory home

The company has completed a £600,000 expansion to a new factory in Sunderland, enabling it to create jobs and win further contracts with global manufacturers.

AR supplies control panels and electrical design, inspection and testing services to major manufacturers, including Nissan, Gestamp, Caterpillar, Mecaplast and Faltec.

It was launched in 2013 and has seen annual turnover rise from scratch to an estimated £1.3million this financial year.

To facilitate further expansion, the group has invested £600,000 in acquiring a new HQ on Sunderland’s Sunrise Enterprise Park, bringing together its two sites in the city.

The move was supported by Sunderland City Council’s Business Investment Team, which helped to identify a site suitable for its growth plans.

It will enable it to increase its headcount by a third to about 30 in the next two years and service a growing customer base.

The firm designs and develops various types of equipment used in manufacturing and engineering, including control panels, machine safety systems, conveyors and software systems.

It was founded by Andrew Ramsey, who previously spent more than 20 years working in the region’s automotive industry.

He said: “We offer robust competencies in highly complex solutions, which means our services are regularly in high demand.

“Our move will enable us to broaden our offering with more involvement in mechanical design.

“We are also installing a new robotic demonstration system in our workshop to test and implement new customer applications.

“We really appreciate the advice and support from Sunderland’s business investment team. It’s good to have them alongside as we grow.”

Coun Harry Trueman, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “AR Controls’ decision to expand its presence in Sunderland and create new jobs is indicative of the city’s growing reputation as a world-class location for manufacturing and engineering.

“It strengthens the city’s knowledge economy eco-system which is attracting highly skilled jobs and investment from thriving companies.

“We look forward to supporting the business in the future as it continues to bring exciting global projects to the region.”