Construction work is now under way on the expansion of the premises of Tyneside manufacturing firm JB Components after another year of significant growth.

The company’s turnover more than tripled over the last three years, and is a supplier of road transport products and components.

The new facility of JB Components’ is set to be complete by November and will allow the firm to carry on expanding its fabrication operations and strengthen its 22 strong workforce.

Tri Construction has been chosen as the primary contractor to undertake the design and build project, with the warehouse due to grow from 20,000 sq ft to 37,000 sq ft.

Frank Beegan, general manager at JB Components, said: “This is an exciting time for the business. We are seeing a rise in demand and by extending the facilities we will be able to expand our range of fabricated bodykits and also increase our stocking facility and storage space for glass fibre.”

Beegan added that as the company grows, they will also take on more staff, including apprentices.

Graham Urwin, construction director at Tri Construction, said: “We have worked closely with JB Components to value engineer and design the project to suit their requirements and budget.

Urwin continued that they are pleased to be involved with this expansion to a successful North East business that will bring more jobs to Gateshead.

The Service Metals Group, based in Morley, has 11 depots throughout the UK and Ireland, and is celebrating its 40th year in business.

John Winn, Group chairman, said: “We are pleased to be marking our 40th year with further investment in our Gateshead depot, which has once again outgrown its premises.  It will enable us to further expand our operations and create more jobs in North East manufacturing.”