A NORTH-EAST workwear supplier is targeting expansion across the UK after moving into a new base.

MI Supplies, in Thornaby, near Stockton, aims to pick up work along the M62 corridor and the Midlands.

The company has completed a switch to a larger factory on Teesside Industrial Estate to keep pace with its extensive order book, and says the change will create a small number of jobs.

Employing 11 staff, the firm known for its workwear, clothing and personal protection services, and has a flagship deal to supply supermarket Aldi.

However, Alex Ingham, managing director, told The Northern Echo the move to its new base, which is four times larger than its former site, would give it scope to grow its workforce to 18 by 2016 and offer potential to look at other areas of the country.

He said: “We had been leasing smaller units for the last few years, but we have bought this, which is good for the business’ stability.

“It is 7,000sq ft, but there is potential to make it bigger.

“We’re now recruiting a business development manager and also want support staff for the day-to-day work.

“But there is also an ideal opportunity to take someone on in a different location to help us look at work there, potentially in Leeds.

“That would allow us to start in West Yorkshire and Humberside, along the M62 corridor, but we could go to the Midlands.

“You do not necessarily need to be in companies’ localities in terms of warehousing to be able to manage their orders.

“We supply hundreds of Aldi stores and they get everything at the same time, when they expect it, wherever they are.

“It is nice when companies work with local firms, but if someone is delivering a better service, they will go with them.”

Mr Ingham said the firm is now upgrading its online presence to help sales.

He added: “We are now looking at the marketing, which we think will ramp up business hugely.”

As well as its Aldi deal, the firm sends gloves, footwear and clothing to ice cream maker R&R, in Leeming Bar, near Bedale, North Yorkshire; supports chilled and frozen food delivery firm Reed Boardall, based in Boroughbridge, also North Yorkshire; and has provided staff clothing for South Shields wax jacket maker Barbour.

The Northern Echo reported MI Supplies' expansion plans in September last year, when Mr Ingham said it had more than overcome the economic downturn.

He added: “We have 22,000 individuals online around the world and have delivered to so many countries.

“The recession was fine for us, and, if anything, it probably benefited us because we could go and speak to customers and say to them, ‘this is what we we do’, as they were looking to cut costs.”