House builder opens first UK site with 100 new staff
A c o m pa ny wh i c h bu i l d s m o du l a r h o m e s i s s et to launch its first UK base as it becomes the second tenant on a business park plan wh ic h l ay aba n d o n e d fo r years.
CoreHaus has secured a 20,000 sq ft unit at Jade Business Park, in Murton, close to Dalton Park.
County Durham’s strong workforce is one of the reasons why it decided to make the move, adding 100 more than people to its staff.
Jad e Bu s i n e s s Pa rk – known for years as the Road to Nowhere after the access route became one of the only signs of development – covers a 55-acre site close to the A19 and off the A182 interchange, with more than 2,500 jobs expected to be generated.
The park has been created on the former Hawthorn Cokeworks and is owned by Durham County Council after it put £14million into the scheme.
It is managed by Business Durham, the economic development arm of the council, and developed by Highbridge Properties PLC.
CoreHaus, which joins Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Europe as a neighbour, will be able to expand production, including the assembly of steel frames needed for its homes.
The company’s five-year plan will see it produce 1,000 modular properties a year.
Managing director Scott Bibby, said: “County Durham has a highly skilled and rich labour market which we have already begun to take advantage of, this has allowed us to employ a diverse, highly-competent and experienced team from the surrounding area which will allow best practice from multiple industries to be deployed into our products.
“As a social enterprise the generation of social value is highly important to us.”
Councillor Carl Marshall, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We are delighted to welcome CoreHaus to Jade Business Park.
"As the economy continues to feel the impact of Covid 19 it is vital we support economic growth and job creation.
“Creating high quality facilities to encourage businesses to move to the county is key to generating new opportunities for County Durham residents.
"We look forward to welcoming further businesses to this premier development in the near future."