A NORTH-EAST recycling firm, which provides services for one of the region's largest hospitals, is expanding after a £1.9m deal.

J&B Recycling hopes to increase work on liquid and hazardous waste handling at its two bases in Hartlepool.

The company says will move some waste processing to a depot in Thomlinson Road, from nearby Baltic Street, to create more space and expand services for more than 800 customers, such as The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and car parts maker, Nifco, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton.

The financing deal was agreed with Santander, and Vikki Jackson-Smith, J&B Recycling managing director, said the changes reiterated the firm's commitment to keep waste away from landfill.

She said: “Our main aim is to increase levels of recycling, and this will significantly remove the current movement between sites and increase productivity.

“We plan to push our specialist hazardous and liquid waste expertise further now we have a much larger capacity, and I’ve been really impressed with the time Santander have taken to understand our business and vision.”

Mark Dolphin, relationship director for Santander Corporate and Commercial, added: “J&B is an excellent example of a strong, well managed local business with the potential to significantly grow, and have a real brand heritage in the North-East.”