MMP to expand flat-pack division

M&M Plasline (MMP), in Bishop Auckland, is expanding its factory and offices to cope with demand for "flat-pack" buildings, which are built in the factory and quality-tested before being taken to building sites.

MMP is increasing factory capacity to 17,000sq ft, which should be complete by November, and is recruiting semi-skilled workers for the factory and to erect the buildings.

The extra factory space will allow workers to make the steel frames and walls of the buildings.

The advantage of the "flat-pack" method is that the buildings can be erected in any weather and need fewer skills than traditional brick and mortar building - so avoiding the North-East's shortage of skilled builders.

The buildings also take less time to construct on-site, which could help to alleviate the housing crisis in other parts of the country.

The company's first project using steel frames, subject to planning permission, will be for 42 apartments in High Bondgate, Bishop Auckland.

The project is believed to be the first of its kind in the region. MMP estimates it will start producing the "flat-pack" buildings from the factory extension by the beginning of next year.

MMP also specialises in building restoration, and this week announced it had secured three contracts worth a total of £500,000 to restore churches in the region.

The company will restore Wesley Memorial Church in Low Fell, South Tyneside, St Brandon's Church in Brancepeth, and St John's Church in Stockton.

Gavin Vest, construction director at MMP, said: "MMP has a strong reputation in restoration and alteration of old church buildings and it is extremely pleasing to be able to utilise this on yet more projects in the region.

"Maintaining the region's heritage is extremely important, as it is an important part of our identity. Using our construction and joinery experience to restore buildings such as these is excellent for us, as this work will benefit many in the local communities."