SEWS-E meets local suppliers ahead of move into Jade Business Park

The first tenant of Durham’s new Jade Business Park met with local businesses at an event this month to discuss opportunities to get involved the company’s automotive supply chain.

Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems (SEWS-E), met with the potential suppliers at the ‘Meet the Buyer’ event organised by the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) and sponsored by Business Durham.

It gave 50 guests the chance to hear about the automotive supply chain that SEWS-E operates in, as well as having one-to-one meetings with Mike Hall, DC manager at the Japanese company.

SEWS-E is actually part of the Sumitomo family of companies founded in Japan over 400 years ago. They now operate in 65 countries globally, distributing automotive wiring harnesses, fuse boxes, connectors and cables throughout Europe.

The business is taking a large unit at 55-acre employment site Jade Business Park, currently being completed on the outskirts of Murton just off the A19 and Dalton Park.

The park will be managed by Business Durham, the economic development arm of the council.

Mike Hall, DC manager at SEWS-E, said: “We’re looking forward to getting into our new site at Jade Business Park in Durham this year.

“The site’s location and offer were perfect for us. It is just six miles away from our current facility which we have outgrown, close to the motorway and to our major customers.

“Our new building will be purpose built, enabling us to grow and also accommodate a number of exciting new projects that are in the pipeline.

“We’re keen to talk to local companies who could supply data cabling, power supply, and removals as well as general contractors. The Meet the Buyer event gave us a fantastic opportunity to make some new connections.”

Paul Butler, CEO from the NEAA, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring a new series of Meet the Buyer events to our members in the automotive supply chain and we were grateful to work with Business Durham on the first one.

“These events are designed to offer access to buyers and decision makers from across the UK automotive sector whilst giving companies targeted networking opportunities and increased sector knowledge.”

Sarah Slaven, managing director from Business Durham, added: “We are pleased to have sponsored the Meet the Buyer event and to see our first tenant at Jade Business Park connect with local suppliers.

“It’s a very exciting year for Jade Business Park and we look forward to welcoming SEWS-E to Durham.”