Jade Business Park welcomes Japanese corporation as first tenant

Jade Business Park has welcomed Japanese corporation, Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Europe (SEWS-E), as its first tenant.

SEWS-E is expanding and relocating its workforce to the new 55-acre employment site next to the A19 in County Durham.

Jade Business Park will provide more than 1 million sq ft of employment space and has the potential to bring 2500 jobs to the area.

The park is owned by Durham County Council, managed by Business Durham and developed by Highbridge Properties Plc.

SEWS-E produces and distributes automotive wiring harnesses, fuse boxes, connectors and cables throughout Europe.

With a turnover in excess of €700 million and more than 20,000 employees in Europe, it is part of the Sumitomo family of companies that was founded in Japan over 400 years ago.

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

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

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

Sarah Slaven, managing director at Business Durham, said: “It’s a very exciting year for Jade Business Park as we welcome our first tenant SEWS-E, bringing new jobs and economic growth to the area.

“The park is a prime location for businesses to establish themselves in Durham or for relocation and expansion, thanks to its high-quality industrial units and excellent transport links.

“As the economy moves into the recovery phase, we continue to support businesses to grow and create jobs and hope to welcome further businesses to this premier development in the near future.”

Jade Business Park is built on a former colliery and cokeworks. It is located in a designated Enterprise Zone, with a business rates benefit of up to £275,000 for occupiers.

The development of new industrial units has been made possible by an investment of £14 million from Durham County Council.