Member Article

H-Mix invests £400k to double production capacity at Lynemouth

Concrete manufacturing business H-Mix is investing £400k into the construction of a new plant at Lynemouth, in Northumberland.

After initially coming to Lynefield Park 18 months ago, the site of the former Alcan aluminium smelter now owned by Harworth Group, the new plant will double the firm’s production capacity.

Upon completion, H-Mix forecasts that it will be able to produce 500 cubic metres of concrete, which equates to around 1,200 tonnes, per day.

John Hudson, MD, said: “We really haven’t looked back since opening our first production facility at Lynefield Park in May 2015. Security of supply is critical to our customers so the new plant provides important back-up to the first.

“It also provides us with the capability to tender for the new business opportunities that will come on the back of the growth in house building, commercial property and other infrastructure investments that are being made across the North East.”

With the new plant in production, John’s targets for 2017 include doubling his workforce to 12, taking on an apprentice and investing in additional delivery vehicles.

One of H-Mix’s main customers is its Lynefield Park neighbour, Lynx Precast, which makes beams for flooring in the construction of homes, offices and public buildings. Other businesses operating on the 320 acre site include C&J Marine, which is involved with caravan disposal and storage and construction firm Sisk.

And Paul Scott, a former Alcan employee, has returned to the site to set up a business recycling wooden pallets.

Aluminium production ended at Lynemouth in March 2012 and Harworth Group took over the site in April 2015. Since then, some of the smelter’s buildings have been demolished including the eight distinctive potroom chimneys, while others have been retained for alternative commercial uses.

Eddie Peat, Harworth Group director, commented: “We’re making good progress on the redevelopment of the site and H-Mix’s investment in a second facility here provides a very clear example of what ambitious businesses can achieve at Lynefield Park.

“This is an ideal location for business growth and Harworth Group is committed to attracting high-value, secure employment back to the site.”

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