Manufacturing firm opens 65,000 sq ft factory in Sunderland
TWR has relocated its operations to Commercial Road in Hendon, having invested £2m in renovating the building.
The aluminium and PVC window company previously had two sites in Hendon and Peterlee, one making aluminium and the other the PVC doors, windows, and conservatories.
The premises consist of the factory, a head office, and a show room, and the firm has invested in updated machinery and technology to improve efficiency and productivity.
Previously, the building was vacant and the renovation has taken six months.
The move was backed by the business investment team at Sunderland City Council and business support specialist Umi, which provided a £50,000 grant.
Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “The team have worked absolute wonders to turn it into a modern manufacturing facility which will not only secure the company’s future in the city but will also create opportunities for local people, while enabling it to continue innovating and growing.
“It is a real city success story and is one we are delighted as a Council to have been able to support.”
Anita Economides, business adviser at UMi, said: “The Business Growth Fund was set up to boost business growth and job creation in the region, and this is a fantastic case study of how it has done just that.
“By working with our partners in the UK Government and Sunderland City Council, we’ve been able to support TWR with the funding required to expand its operations, invest in innovation, and safeguard skilled jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector.
“This investment not only strengthens TWR’s future but also contributes to the region’s reputation as a hub for high-value manufacturing and engineering excellence.”
Tery O’Brien, managing director and founder of TWR, said: “As a family business which started out just around the corner from here, it’s been a real labour of love renovating this site.
“When we purchased the building, it was in dire need of repair. It needed a new roof and a whole load of structural improvements, so it was very much a complete rebuild.
“However, given the size of the site, its central position in the city and the fact that we started out just around the corner, it just ticked all of the boxes.
“Don’t get me wrong, it was a real challenge getting everything done in just six months, but we’re already reaping the benefits and are thrilled to be back in our home city.”
