Plans lodged for new industrial building so steel processing company can move to six-acre site

Plans have been lodged for a new industrial building to enable a steel processing company to move to the six-acre site of a former plant and create new jobs.

It was announced in November 2023 Steel Benders UK, currently based in Dockside Road, Middlesbrough, is to transform the former Caparo and forge plant site, in Brenda Road, Hartlepool, and create at least 15 new posts. Proposals have now been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department by bosses at the organisation to construct the new main industrial building to facilitate steel bending, profiling, and laser cutting services.

The new site will enable the installation of additional machinery which was previously not possible due to space constraints of the Middlesbrough base. The land “has been unoccupied for some time” and is currently largely derelict following the demolition of previous industrial buildings, although several structures remain.

The application states the site, located to the south west side of Brenda Road, was purchased by Steel Benders “some time ago” and the company is currently using the existing buildings for storage. A supporting statement on behalf of the application notes the development will allow the company to expand and relocate all operations to the new Hartlepool base.

It added: “The new units on Brenda Road will be purpose-built for Steel Benders’ operations, providing greater capacity and capability. Relocating to the new site provides an ideal opportunity for continued growth while keeping operations local to the North East.

“With increased operational capacity, Steel Benders will be positioned to enter new markets and expand within existing sectors building on its reputation and securing the future for the business and its employees.” It adds the “significant investment” is projected to create 15 new jobs in addition to the 27 people currently employed.

It was previously confirmed work to renovate the derelict brickhouse at the site that runs alongside Brenda Road will see it include office space as well as a base for the only 8x2m fibre laser cutting bed in the north of England.

Managing director Tania Cooper, speaking in November 2023 when the move was announced, said: “The £2million project, in its entirety, is going to create more jobs and it will be the first time we have had a site that is fit-for-purpose.”

A decision is expected to be made on the proposals in February.

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