Read our feature in The Journal, 25.11.09

Newcastle firm Houghton International plan to double in size

Nov 25 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

ENGINEERING firm Houghton International has laid out plans to more than double the size of its Tyneside headquarters and create 40 jobs as it looks to grow its annual turnover by £2m to £5m.

The company, based in Walker, Newcastle, has taken on a 10,000sqft warehouse close to its current 15,000sqft site and, in the next 18 months, expects to invest in a second 10,000sqft facility.

The expansion follows a period of strong growth at home and abroad, which was extended last week with its first contract in Canada. The firm has employed an agent in Canada to help grow the North American market, and also has a man in Dubai to sniff out deals across the Gulf region.

Houghton's new addition on Walker Riverside will double production of its rail traction motor repairs business, and also enable it to service Tyneside's emerging renewable energy market.

Managing director Michael Mitten said: "We've had two record years of sales growth and our turnover is set to break the £3m mark this year, with aspirations to grow to £5m in the next two years.

To read the rest of the article, visit:
http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2009/11/25/newcastle-firm-houghton-international-plan-to-double-in-size-51140-25245143/