CoreHaus secures new manufacturing site at Jade Business Park

Modular housebuilder CoreHaus is opening its first UK manufacturing site in County Durham as part of its plans to scale up.

The company has secured a 20,000 sq ft unit at Jade Business Park in Murton near Seaham to build its innovative modular homes, which have successfully been trialled in the region.

CoreHaus will join up with Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Europe to extend its production and perform a greater scope of work, including the assembly of the steel frames that will form the base of its modular homes.

The company’s five-year plan will see 1000 new modular homes built every year, creating more than 100 jobs across the business.

Jade Business Park is a brand-new 55-acre development that will seek to deliver seven new industrial units for distribution, technology, and manufacturing businesses.

The site has been built on the former colliery and coke works and has been made a designated Enterprise Zone to encourage economic growth in the area. Occupiers can see a rate benefit of up to £275,000.

Development of the new industrial units has been made possible thanks to a £14 million investment from Durham City Council.

Managing director of CoreHaus, Scott Bibby, said: “With such a great facility situated in the heart of the North East and at such a competitive rate, it made perfect sense to set up our manufacturing site at Jade Business Park.

“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.”

Councillor Carl Marshall, Durham County 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.”