North East engineering firm Sevcon are to create 200 new highly skilled jobs in a move which will treble the size of it’s workforce.
The Gateshead firm is a world-leader in developing the controllers for the motors of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Following three years of rapid growth, the company has seen it’s headcount rise by over 70 percent and has secured an order book which now adds up to £320m.
Off the back of their rapid growth, not only are the firm moving to larger premises, Sevcon are planning to create 200 highly skilled jobs with the vast majority of these being in the North East.
Sevcon President and Chief executive Matt Boyle said: “The worldwide electrification movement is prompting our ambitious growth agenda and our product roadmap has the potential to put us in the sweet spot for this transition.
“The switch from the internal combustion engine to hybrid and electric vehicles is happening now. All the major motor manufacturers are involved and Sevcon’s skills are proving vital to this global shift.
“These are exciting times for the company and we will need some 200 additional members of staff to support our growth. The future has never been brighter for Sevcon.”
Sevcon currently employs over 80 engineers and software developers in its Team Valley headquarters on Kingsway.
While the firm is looking to create these jobs for those in the North East, local councillor Michael Hood says he is “delighted” with this news.
Hood said: “I am delighted that Sevcon have created 200 new jobs at Team Valley Gateshead.
“Sevcon are a significant employer in the town and its great that they have decided to invest in our people once again.
“Gateshead has a proud history in manufacturing providing world class companies like Sevcon with skilled workers that are needed to enhance their business.”
The Gateshead-based company looks to be getting bigger too after successful 2016.
They posted record sales in the business year of 2016, which added up to £40m, and this was up from the £33m that they made in 2015.
Sevcon have also announced recently that they have a deal currently in place with a Chinese/European car maker, which could potentially be worth up to £160m.