H-Mix, based at the former Alcan Lynemouth smelter site, is investing £400,000 into a new plant to service its growing order book.

Managing director John Hudson is also looking to double his existing workforce to 12 next year, as his business increases concrete manufacture and supply from its base beside the former aluminium casting plant.

H-Mix’s expansion plans tie in with those of its main customer, Lynx Precast, also working out of the former Alcan site, using H-Mix concrete to make beams for flooring in the construction of homes, offices and public buildings.

A master plan by site owner Harworth Estates to turn the 320-acre site into a hub for new businesses, and potentially create hundreds of jobs, presents H-Mix with fresh business opportunities. The company received £94,000 Regional Growth Fund support from Arch, the Northumberland development company, to help construct its first ready-mixed concrete manufacture and supply plant – a £450,000 total investment with the plant sourced in Spain. It produces up to 400 tonnes of concrete per day and began working last May.

Councillor Dave Ledger, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council and chair of Arch, said: “I’m delighted to see the investments made by the Regional Growth Fund have enabled H-Mix and Lynx Precast to develop their own on-site supply chain on this vitally important employment site. By working side-by-side, these businesses can support each other’s growth and provide unrivalled quality of service to end users.”