Hitachi Construction Machinery UK expands into Tyne Dock

Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) has moved its product support department into a new 22,800 sq ft facility at Tyne Dock in South Shields.

The move has been brought about to support the heavy-duty construction equipment supplier’s after sales division and the ongoing expansion of its business operations.

The new building at Tyne Dock is expected to be completed early this year and is currently undergoing a refurbishment to accommodate over 6000 lines of parts, which Hitachi distributes across the UK and Ireland.

Up to 36 members of staff will move into the new building, which will have space for repairs and overhaul work, re-manufactured parts, an on-site training facility and a special application centre for 3D semi-automation and machine control equipment.

HCMUK have taken on a 10-year lease and a licence to make alterations to the building and was supported by Ward Hadaway’s real estate team in the acquisition.

The company was also recently named as one of the 50 fastest growing companies across the North East this year.

The annual list is compiled by Ward Hadaway to recognize privately-owned profitable organisations that have seen impressive growth in turnover.

HCMUK fit these criteria, with an 11.4 per cent increase in annual turnover taking them to £237 million for the last financial year.

Stephen Creaser, director of product support at HCMUK, said: “The HCMUK product support department is committed to providing our customers with the best possible aftersales support.

“These new premises will enable us to increase our parts holding capacity, provide a dedicated product support workshop facility and product training centre which will enable us to grow our aftersales business.

David Roberts, CEO of HCMUK, added: “Hitachi has an excellent reputation in the construction machinery market for the quality and durability of our machines.

“So this investment to expand our national service and parts facilities is essential if we are to maintain and enhance that reputation.”

Olivia Brown, a solicitor in Ward Hadaway’s real estate team oversaw the transaction.

She said: “It’s great to see successful organisations such as Hitachi grow and expand operations here within the North East.

“We are pleased to have facilitated this transaction by acting on behalf of the organisation in relation to securing the lease of the new building and I would like to wish them every success in the future.”