New Future For Former KP Crisp Factory

Dunlop BTL, a supplier of components to customers in the engineering, industrial, automotive and agricultural sectors, is expanding into a former KP crisps factory in the North East following a £2.2m investment.

The manufacturer and distributor of bearings, power transmission and linkage products, which is based in Kent, has been awarded a £250,000 Let’s Grow Regional Growth Fund grant to enable it to expand into the Consett site in County Durham, creating about 60 jobs – 35 of which will be appointed in the short term.

A commercial loan from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has also been secured to support the purchase of the new premises.

Dunlop, established in 1991, plans to use its new premises at No 1 Industrial Estate – the one time home of Phileas Fogg snacks – become its main European manufacturing and distribution centre, producing approximately 50 per cent of its products, while other items are produced in factories from around the world.

Managing director Ray Mifsud said: “Dunlop BTL Ltd is proud to be a UK manufacturer supplying to some of the world’s most prestigious original equipment manufacturers.

“The grant has enabled us to move to a new level within our industry and we’re now ideally placed to increase our manufacturing capabilities and expand our customer base, not just in the UK, but around the world.”

Business Durham, the economic development company for County Durham, worked with Dunlop, visiting it in Kent to help it put together its grant application.

Peter Rippingale, inward investment manager at Business Durham, said: “We’ve long thought that there are significant opportunities in the North for companies in this sector and Dunlop BTL’s decision bears this out ”

Simon Allen, Let’s Grow project manager at BE Group, added: “The Let’s Grow grant is helping to de-risk the significant investment being made by Dunlop BTL and is fundamental to the company’s decision to expand its operation into the North East.”

Steve Sadler, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “This is an investment which will directly help to create local jobs for skilled tradespeople, and we look forward to working with the firm’s management as they move onto the next stage of their growth plans.”

Richard Scott, partner at Sanderson Weatherall, was appointed to sell the building on behalf of KP.