3M builds multi-million pound production line at Newton Aycliffe factory

Manufacturing firm 3M has fitted a multi-million pound production line at its Newton Aycliffe factory to increase supply of cartridge filters for respirators, which stop workers inhaling dangerous dust and vapours while carrying out jobs.

The firm, which employs 329 workers at Newton Aycliffe, already makes the masks at its Heighington Lane plant, but will produce the cartridge filters for the first time after bosses chose to move production from the US to the region.

The company said the investment would not create any new jobs, but said it had safeguarded the current posts and reiterated its commitment to staff in the North-East.

The production line was officially opened by Chris Holmes, 3M senior vice-president from its US headquarters, and was welcomed by plant manager Dave Watson.

Mr Watson said: “Newton Aycliffe is a flagship manufacturing site for 3M in the UK and this major investment underlines the confidence shown by the company in our highly skilled workforce.”

The company also makes paint finishing and car care products at Newton Aycliffe, and produces wheel and tyre cleaner and vehicle soap and shampoo.

Last year, the plant won its fifth President's Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents after achieving 14 consecutive gold awards in the organisation's occupational health and safety scheme.

The company makes products across the world and has a plant at Northallerton, North Yorkshire, which produces Scotchkote, a protective waterborne coating which expands up to 50 times its size to stop steel collapsing in the event of a fire.

Employing more than 88,000 people across the world in 70 different countries, it also makes Scotch tape, Scotch-Brite scouring pads, Post It notes and its Thinsulate-branded hats and gloves.

Earlier this year it completed a project to fit a new 9,700sq metre roof on a £27m pit and paddock development at Silverstone race circuit.