New £1m base for family firm

March 1st 2007

One of the oldest family-run businesses in the Tees Valley has invested more than £1m in a new site, prompting its first move to new premises in almost 90 years.

Pump manufacturer Tomlinson Hall & Co has moved from its Boathouse Lane head office in Stockton, to larger fully integrated premises at Cowpen Lane Industrial Estate, Billingham.

The move will create five new jobs, including workshop engineers, administration, sales and support staff, with a possibility of more employment opportunities in the future.

Tomlinson Hall & Co currently employs 21 people.

It is the first time that the company has relocated to new premises in its 87-year history.

The move is part of the company's long-term expansion plan to grow into new European markets.

Managing director Tony Keville hopes the relocation will help drive forward sales and production of the company's Liquivac pump, as well as introduce new products from the world's leading overseas manufacturers to the UK market.

He said: "Over recent years, the company has won several major contracts and awards which have significantly increased sales in domestic and European markets.

"This has, at the same time, opened new doors in specialist sectors including food, beverage and pharmaceuticals, and has allowed us to provide engineering solutions to many different markets."

Tomlinson Hall & Co, which was established in 1919 by Alf Tomlinson, grandfather of the present owner and managing director Mr Keville, originally traded from an attic room selling hardware and engineering supplies to local customers.

Three generations on, the company is one of the UK's leading pump manufacturers with distributors in more than 27 countries.

Originally appreared in the Evening Gazettel: Oct 27th 2006. written by Sarah Judd.