A North East home improvement supplier is creating new jobs after investing £2m in new warehousing.
Growing demand from people investing in their properties has triggered the need for extra space at Middlesbrough based MB DIY, which has enlisted Darlington’s Wharton Construction to build the site. The company has expanded substantially in recent years with its distribution footprint now taking in the North East, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and London.
Work on the 16,000sq ft building’s steel structure is now under way, next to the company’s existing warehouse, offices and retail space which Wharton built three years ago. The development will lead to around five jobs.
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Mike Greenup, managing director at family-run firm MB DIY, told how the investment follows soaring demand in the wake of Covid, as homeowners who saved money during lockdown are now investing in their properties.
The demand has been reflected by turnover at MB DIY which jumped by 27% in its most recent financial year.
The warehouse, which is due to be completed early next year, will provide additional storage for the company as well as three retail trade counter units of 2,153 sq ft each, which will be leased to companies related to the home improvement sector.
MB DIY also plans to transfer its transport office to the new building, which will free up space for additional storage in the neighbouring premises.
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Mr Greenup said: “There is a lot of pent-up demand as people, who were unable to go on their usual holidays and trips abroad during the Covid pandemic, are spending the money they saved.
“We are finding some householders are improving rather than moving and those that are moving are then improving.
“Even now, some people still are reluctant to fly overseas for a break because of the current risk of flight cancellations and hours-long airport queues. Instead, they are diverting cash earmarked for holidays to home improvements or renovations. So, it’s a win-win situation all round for us.”
Wharton Construction, which specialises in commercial and public sector projects across the North East and North Yorkshire, said it is ideally placed to take advantage of investment in Darlington and across the Tees Valley.
Matthew Wharton, director, added: “We are proud to have secured a second major construction contract from MB DIY to help it meet the growing demand for its services. This repeat business is testament to our ability to deliver high quality schemes to a client’s exacting specifications, on time and in budget.
“It also validates our capability to make a significant contribution to improving the region’s business infrastructure and its economic outlook.”