MIDDLESBROUGH: JT Atkinson plans new branches to expand its eight-eight depot network across the North East. Its most recent opening was in Bishop Auckland. 

Managing director Edwin Atkinson said the new branch is the first step in the company's upcoming growth push.

"We are excited to open the business in Bishop Auckland, not only to give builders and plumbers another option in the area, but also to create job opportunities in a region which has been so greatly affected by the recession," he said.

He would not disclose the locations of future branches, but stressed that "major plans" were in place for the business in the months and years ahead.

"This year, we are celebrating 150 years in the business so it's good to be able to celebrate this achievement with the opening of the branch in Bishop Auckland.

"We have plans to open further branches throughout the North East, and despite the downturn in the housing market, we are confident about the future."

JT Atkinson, also operates under the Hathaway and Hoyle timber merchant brand, has branches in Middlesbrough and Stockton on Teesside, Northallerton and Hawes in North Yorkshire, and Penrith, Cockermouth, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria.