Bathroom firm is going for growth

Jan 22 2009 By The Journal

A BATHROOM fittings company has expanded its presence in the North East after moving into larger premises and adding to its workforce.

Glasgow firm Rearo has moved from a small distribution point in Washington to a £1m purpose-built 5,000 sq ft warehouse and showroom site in Team Valley, Gateshead. It has also added another sales rep to its four-strong North East workforce and hopes to add more jobs soon.

The firm, which makes and sells laminate surfaces for shower rooms and wet rooms, as well as kitchen worktops, is using the new flagship site as a blueprint for its UK wide expansion, with more sites planned adding to those in Glasgow, Gateshead, Fife, Shetland Isles and Newport.

It set up the North East distribution centre 10 years ago but has steadily grown to the point where it needs more space and now boasts a 1,000 sq ft showroom to exhibit its products.

Despite the downturn in the housing market, Robert Hodgeson, branch manager in Gateshead, said: "Despite what is happening in the economy, the business seems to be growing, especially here in the North East."