When completed, the factory will allow the business to diversify and also restore and refurbish equipment.

B&B Attachments will create 18 new jobs with the expansion of its Cramlington factory to meet increased demand for its products.

With funding support from Arch, the development company for Northumberland, a total of GBP720,000 (USD1.348 million) has been invested at Cramlington in plant, machinery and the workforce.

Company spokeswoman Victoria Adcock tells Forkliftaction.com News that B&B has started looking for new employees and expects the recruitment process to continue to March 2016, "although this may be complete sooner - we are just giving ourselves a little time to see what roles will be required".

"We ... moved into our new premises on 15 December and are currently at around 85% complete on the project. We aim to complete fully in March 2015."

When completed, the 40,000 sqft. (3,716 sqm) factory will allow the business to diversify and also restore and refurbish clients' equipment. The company expects to attract business from the UK, Europe and North Africa. Its current customer base includes global blue chip companies and overseas clients in the USA, Egypt and Malaysia.

"This move represents an exciting development for B&B Attachments," says managing director Mike Barton. "The new space is a dream come true for all the B&B team. Iit allows us to expand to support our growth while giving us on-site dedicated facilities and much-needed space."

Based in the Nelson Park Industrial Estate, B&B started in the materials handling industry more than 30 years ago with a workforce of just three people. The current expansion, in response to increased domestic and overseas demand, along with the expansion of the design and manufacturing capability for specialist forklift attachments and equipment hire service, has resulted in the creation of an additional 18 jobs, bringing the total workforce to 64 by 2016 - and the need for larger premises.

The company saw a 10% growth in annual turnover from 2012 to 2013, and a 17% growth from 2013 to 2014.

Peter McIntyre, Arch Group managing director, says: "I am delighted there are a substantial number of skilled jobs being created in Northumberland as part of the investment. By training apprentices as part of the expansion, B&B Attachments are also safeguarding technical skills for the future."