Construction firm Merit ‘will build team’ after plant extension

An off-site building maker has pledged to create more than 50 jobs in a factory expansion.

Merit is extending its base in Cramlington.

Bosses say the 4000sq metre move will lay the foundations for significant staff recruitment while strengthening the business’ position against global competitors.

The larger plant – which will feature two new manufacturing lines – is expected to be operational by April.

The company designs and makes zero-carbon emission buildings for a number of sectors in its Northumberland factory, which are then transported and erected on clients’ sites.

Its order book includes Burnopfield-based life science firm Quantum Pharma, for which Merit previously delivered a three-storey facility featuring clean rooms, offices, a plant room and warehouse.

Tony Wells, Merit chief executive, said: “Our objective is to deliver a step-change in productivity within the construction industry, and to show how investment in research and development, and the leveraging of innovative approaches, can lead to significant improvements.

“Our factory expansion will enable us to further optimise our way of working and better serve our customers.”