Ian Lucas MP officially opens second site for Houghton International

As part of his visit to the North East yesterday, Ian Lucas MP visited Houghton International to officially open Neptune House, a new 10,000 sq ft facility which is helping the firm to double output in the traction motor repairs side of the business and to service the renewable energy sector.

The family-owned company is creating 40 jobs over the next 3 years through the expansion of its operation in Walker Riverside, having been supported by a £200,000 Grant for Business and Industry from One North East.

Houghton International last year celebrated its 25th year in business, has doubled the size of its Tyneside headquarters and has enjoyed two record years of sales growth, with turnover set to break the £4m mark in 2010 and £5m in 2011, as part of a thriving renewable energy sector in North East England.

Opening the facility Mr Lucas said: “Houghton International represents all that is good about advanced manufacturing in the North East. I am delighted to be opening this new factory in Newcastle, which underlines the company’s commitment to the region and the opportunities that renewable energy offers for our economy.”