A FAMILY-RUN firm has created capacity for jobs growth with the opening of a new £2m distribution centre.

Stiller Warehousing and Distribution, in Newton Aycliffe, has launched the state-of-the-art facility following an eight-month construction project which they say supported dozens of local jobs through the use of nearby contractors

The 40,000 sq ft palletised distribution centre, on Aycliffe Business Park ,is the largest of its type in the North-East and allows Stiller to load 32 vehicles at any one time – the previous system allowing just eight.

Managing director Matthew Stiller said: “We’re delighted to have moved into the new distribution centre, which is already improving our efficiency and service levels to our clients."

The scheme, which was project managed by Darlington firm Wharton Construction, has also created more than 70 off-street car parking spaces and includes a new large open-plan office for more than 30 office staff.

Meanwhile the previous main offices and distribution centre will be converted and upgraded into extra warehousing for the firm which says it has seen huge demand for space and growth in the last two years.

It is hoped this will lead to the creation of new jobs in 2019.

Stiller’s latest investment in equipment, people and facilities – including two new warehouses costing more than £1.8m between them – takes the company’s total spend to almost £9m in the last three years.