Steel Benders UK welcomes approval for Hartlepool expansion

Steel Benders UK (SBUK) has welcomed the decision by Hartlepool Borough Council to approve plans for a new industrial building at the former Caparo and forge plant site on Brenda Road.

This significant development will enable the steel profiling and forming specialists to relocate its operations from Middlesbrough and embark on an exciting new chapter of growth, forecasting at least 15 new jobs for the local community.

Ambitious

Phil Anderson, Operations Director at SBUK, said: “This is fantastic news for Steel Benders UK and a significant step forward in our ambitious plans for expansion.

“We are delighted that Hartlepool Borough Council has recognised the potential of this project and granted us planning permission.

“The Brenda Road site offers us the space and infrastructure we need to install additional, state-of-the-art machinery, something that was simply not feasible at our current Middlesbrough location.”

Steel Benders UK’s managing director Tania Cooper shows Cllr Mike Young, the former Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, around the new site with operations director Phil Anderson and finance manager Ashleigh Glass in 2023. Pictures: Tom Banks/Rephrase

The move represents a substantial investment in the future of Steel Benders UK and highlights its commitment to the area.

Phil said: “We are particularly excited about bringing the currently derelict site back into productive use and creating new skilled jobs.”

Development

The development will see the renovation of the existing brickhouse into modern office space and a base for the only 8x2m fibre laser cutting bed in the North of England, further increasing SBUK’s capabilities and service offering.

Tania Cooper, managing director of SBUK, said: “We are eager to begin the transformation of the Brenda Road site and look forward to becoming a key part of the Hartlepool business community.

“This approval marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Steel Benders UK, allowing us to enhance our services, expand our reach and create valuable employment opportunities in the Tees Valley.”

It was announced in November 2023 that Steel Benders UK, currently based in Dockside Road, Middlesbrough, planned to transform the former forge plant site in Brenda Road, Hartlepool.

Proposals were subsequently submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department by organisation bosses to construct the new main industrial building to facilitate steel bending, profiling and laser cutting services.

A report from council planning officers has now confirmed the proposals have been approved, subject to conditions.