Stainton Metal stand tall in spotlight

Nov 4 2009 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

A LIGHTING column manufacturer is looking forward to a bright future despite the downwards dip in new house builds.

While rivals are feeling the pinch - the UK construction industry shrank for the 20th consecutive month in October - Thornaby-based Stainton Metal is standing tall in the local authority and highways sectors.

The company on Teesside Industrial Estate has swelled its turnover by around 15% to £16m since last summer, and also taken on six new staff with plans for a further 10.

Bosses say their success is down to a varied market approach - and a successful acquisition by US-based Valmont Industries last November, which has propelled them onto the global stage.

Now in its 31st year, the company is looking forward to an influx of work from the 2012 Olympics and Transport 2010 - the Highways Agency’s 10 year national road strategy.

“For every four houses that are built, there is one lighting column installed - but hardly any new builds are going up at the moment,” said sales and marketing director Dave Tweed.

“Luckily, only a small proportion of our business is with new builds. We deal more with councils and electrical contractors, on motorway infrastructure projects.

“We are seeing a 10 year plan on the motorways, there is the M1 and M25 widening and there is also a lot of new infrastructure going in for the Olympics.

“The industry as a whole has been struck by the recession.

“Other companies are losing staff, yet we are taking on.”

The company began selling sports field lighting products five years ago and has also entered green markets including wind and solar energy and recycling-friendly aluminium.

Nebraskan-based Valmont, which acquired the company a year ago, has 51 manufacturing facilities worldwide and a worldwide turnover of £2.2bn.

“It has given us a diverse product portfolio and allowed us to do business globally,” added Mr Tweed “It’s been incredibly positive for us.”