THE anniversary of a Hexham factory has coincided with the firm’s growth across the globe.

Chipboard manufacturer Egger, which has had a plant on Hexham’s Anick Road for the past 35 years, has branched out of Europe and opened plants in North and South America.
With 600 employees, Egger has long been the Tyne Valley’s biggest employer and is celebrating reaching the landmark anniversary.

The plant has no plans of slowing down as it continues to invest in new technology, and the firm’s commitment in America reaffirms its intentions to keep growing.

Tobias Zimmermann, plant director (technical and production) at Hexham, said: “We are a family-owned business which has generated our own growth and strengths, and we are in a good position as we have invested a lot over the past 15 years in machinery and technology.

“We are very well equipped and the group is spreading beyond Europe by opening in North and South America. Working together, we feel proud that Hexham has contributed to the group’s growth.”

Father and son Neil and Dan Soulsby have worked at the plant for 28 years and 12 years respectively.

While Neil works in the production department and Dan in sales, they share a passion for the firm and often talk about it outside of working hours.

Neil said: “It’s a family-owned business and the owners take time out to talk to people, and it’s just a really good atmosphere with the family days and our anniversary celebrations.”