No slowing TMD Friction as brake pad maker appoints 85 staff

A vehicle brake pad maker has handed permanent roles to scores of agency staff to meet accelerating demand.

TMD Friction has welcomed 85 workers into long-term posts.

Bosses say it is the first time in the business’ history so many temporary staff have been offered such roles.

They add the cohort are employed across the Hartlepool-based company’s operations, from production and maintenance to packing and distribution.

Tom Russell, UK operations manager at the firm, which makes 95 per cent of brake pads for Europe’s after-market and almost half a million parts every week, said: “This is a significant move, which will make a huge difference to our production outputs.

“Making these agency workers permanent gives us all stability and long-term security, and is a real boost as we continue to bounce back from the challenges we’ve faced due to the pandemic.”

Helen Robinson, UK HR manager, added: “There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes to make this happen, but we’re all happy with the outcome, which puts us in a strong position moving forward.

“Our people are key to our continued growth.”

TMD Friction has made parts for the passenger car after-market since 1974, and employs more than 600 people at its North East factory.