Mecaplast wins JLR parts job

CAR parts maker Mecaplast has undergone a £3.5 million expansion ahead of a major contract from JaguarLandRover (JLR).

In the wake of Brexit, Mecaplast has purchased machinery and invested in staff training ahead of a contract that will see it producing parts for the marque next year.

The move comes after Mecaplast, of peterlee, County Durham, known for making plastic door mouldings and wheel arch liners, previously spent £6 million to create new jobs and extend its plant to handle contracts for Sunderland’s Nissan.

According to executives, the latest venture includes four injection moulding machines ranging from 800 tonnes to 2,300 tonnes, and a partnership with Gateshead’s Access Training to develop management.

It is suggested that Access Training will assist eight workers go through apprenticeships before possibly taking up senior positions.

David Cann, plant director, said the company, which employs about 150 staff and has contracts with BMW, Toyota and Volkswagen and BMW, was in an excellent position for further growth. He expects the JLR contract will be followed by further deals.

He is reported as saying that the company has “several new contracts in the pipeline”.

“The business is going from strength-to-strength and the pace is set to continue,” he said. “As we expand further, we need first-class managers and I’m very encouraged with how the training is going. We needed to develop new skills and as I have experience of using Access Training, they were my first choice to bring us what we are looking for.”