A NORTH EAST manufacturer has secured a £20,000 contract after using a training centre’s specialist facilities to complete the order. 

Bishop Auckland based Izumi Products used the facilties at manufacturing and engineering training centre S.W. Durham Training (SWDT) in Newton Aycliffe.

The company did not have the capacity to fulfil an order to make hydraulic press tools using its own machines, so signed a hire agreement with SWDT to ensure they could deliver the work within the timeframes required.

Jenny Williams, managing director of Izumi Products, said: “We have enjoyed a busy period lately, which is fantastic for the business.  However, we operate in a sector in which capital investments like machinery and equipment can spiral into many thousands of pounds. 

“The availability of cutting edge equipment at SWDT means that we don’t need to purchase additional equipment until we are absolutely in a position to invest, and that’s a hugely helpful resource for businesses during what remain quite unpredictable trading conditions, especially small businesses that may find it difficult to predict future workload. 

"I’d really recommend use of SWDT as an overflow facility.  It’s certainly something we would use again.”

Charl Erasmus, chief executive of SWDT, said: “Hiring out our equipment for commercial use is an innovative way of supporting the local business community, while also generating revenue that we can reinvest for the greater good of the North-East manufacturing and engineering sectors.  It is a win-win solution.”