Firm ready to spread wings

Mar 4 2008 by jez Davison, Evening Gazette

BUILDING materials firm JT Dove is re-locating its Stockton-based staff to a purpose-built site near Portrack Lane as part of plans to create at least 40 jobs and increase turnover from £34m to £41m within the next year.

The 15,000 sq ft building is due to be ready in July and the company intends to open a further two branches this year - the locations have not been disclosed although they will not be in the Tees Valley - to follow the opening of a new outlet in Birtley in January. From 2009 it will look to expand into other areas in the North of England and Southern Scotland.

Established in 1869, JT Dove specialises in providing timber, building supplies, landscaping material, heating components, kitchens and bathrooms from 11 outlets across the North-east. It acquired Auckland Timber and Builders Merchants Limited in 2004.

Managing director Steve Robinson said the Tees Valley’s excellent transport network made Portrack Lane the ideal location for the new building.

“If you have travelled the rest of the country, you will find out how good the Tees Valley's transport links are”, he said.

“There are four lanes approaching the A19 flyover, whereas the A1 route into Newcastle is only dual carriageway.

“The immediate plan is to grow the company with a series of exciting new outlets, focusing on what we are good at, as well as exploring ventures in new directions.”

One venture is to target the retail consumer and end user by installing on-site studios that display items such as kitchen and bathroom products.