A Stockton-based supplier of fabricated components has invested over £1m in expanding its production capacity.

Katmex specialises fabricating and supplying parts used in the manufacture of earthmoving and construction machinery like excavators, dump trucks, forklifts and cranes.

The company, which employs more than 200 staff over two sites, has invested in several pieces of machinery to meet rising demand.

A new shotblast machine has just been commissioned, while the company has added a further CNC machine to bring the total at its Stockton facility to 15.

It has also invested in two new machining centres at its site in Seaham and a bar-fed CNC lathe. In addition, an extension has been added to the side of the building to increase the amount of undercover storage.

The expansion follows Katmex being named Supplier of the Year for the second year running by Komatsu UK at its annual supplier conference.

David Mitchell, managing director of Katmex, said: “This is a very exciting time for Katmex, which is a solely-owned UK SME. The ongoing investment in equipment and infrastructure is already paying dividends through increased production and creating greater efficiencies.

Our belief in this company is reflected by the fact that we have, for the second year running, been presented with Komatsu UK’s Supplier of the Year award.

We have a longstanding relationship with Komatsu, and it is gratifying to know that it continues to acknowledge our commitment to delivering outstanding quality and service.