AN engineering supplier which counts Nissan and Tata Steel as one of its biggest customers has moved into new premises to provide space for further growth.

Nsert UK Ltd has taken space at The Industry Centre on Sunderland Enterprise Park after outgrowing its previous offices at the city’s Southwick Business Centre. The company distributes and supplies engineering tools to companies across the North East and makes bespoke equipment in its machining workshop.

Nsert was founded in 2007 by Jimmy Lamb, who previously worked for Rolls Royce and Mitsubishi Hardmetals. He set up Nsert to source and distribute equipment to engineering firms, specialising in carbide cutting tools.

Business development manager Pauline Butler said: “We have a personal relationship with our customers. A lot of distributors just send out the tools by courier but we deliver around 90 per cent of orders ourselves. This allows us to provide a fast turnaround as well as making staff available for any technical queries.”

Ms Butler joined Nsert last year along with a despatch worker and apprentice as part of the company’s growth in tandem with the improvement in the regional economy following the recession. The business aims to expand further after taking the new offices, which are in a prime position to market Nsert to potential new customers.

“The office will help to raise our profile because there are a lot of people coming in and out of The Industry Centre for training courses,” said Pauline Butler.

“Nsert is next door to AMAP, the University of Sunderland’s Institute for Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice, and we are hoping to gain more contacts. The company is growing and we are aiming to raise our image.

“It’s a lovely building. Before, we just had an office but now there is plenty of space to hold meetings and conferences, and to display the equipment we supply.”

Although not a volume manufacturer, Nsert is able to provide a specialist machining service for customers with bespoke tooling requirements. If this specialist side of the business grows, the company plans to create additional engineering jobs.

Nsert’s growth has been backed by Sunderland City Council. The council’s business investment team originally worked with the company in 2012 and has also helped with the move to The Industry Centre. There are plans for further advice and support as Nsert continues to grow.

Pauline Butler said: “Jimmy was not aware that there was support and advice available to move into bigger premises. The City Council has helped us and is also offering advice on marketing and promoting the business. They have been extremely supportive.”

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We hope as many new and growing companies as possible are aware of the variety of business services offered by the City Council and that they get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help them.

“Nsert has expanded successfully in its own right and now it is working with the City Council, the company is poised for the next stage in its growth. We wish Nsert the best of luck in its new home and look forward to continuing to support the business in the future.”