Simpsongroup to fit MAN kit

Tyneside point-of-sale specialist Simpsongroup looks likely to install the first MAN Roland 900XXL outside London after breaking ground on its purpose-built 7m facility.

The firm plans to move into the new plant, which is now under construction on a 4.5-acre site at Washington, Tyneside in January.

The new factory and office complex is scheduled for completion on 23 December this year, and will feature an atrium designed to resemble a shopping mall to show the firm's products.

Mark Simpson, Simpsongroup managing director, said that the new facility would allow the firm to "almost double in size" in the next two years.

He said he planned to up staff numbers from 80 at present to around 140, with projected turnover rising from around 8m to 15m.