Work is officially underway to redevelop the six-acre former steel plant on Brenda Road, Hartlepool, marking the start of a multi-million-pound project that will bring one of the North’s leading steel specialists to the town.
Steel Benders UK – a major regional player in steel bending, forming and folding – has begun transforming the derelict Caparo and forge plant, which has stood largely unused since its closure in 2015.
The £2m investment will see the company relocate its entire operation from Middlesbrough for the first time in its 23-year history, creating at least 15 new jobs in the initial phase.
In a strong show of regional partnership, Steel Benders UK is supplying all steel materials for the development, while Brims Construction – operating from its Thornaby and Gateshead bases – has been appointed to lead the first phase of on-site construction.
Steel Benders’ Managing Director Tania Cooper said: “With planning approval now secured, Brims Construction are on site stripping back the old plant and building the foundations for our machinery. Work began in August and we’re already seeing real progress on the new 40,000 sq ft factory. Once completed, the whole company will move to Brenda Road, making Hartlepool our new home. These are incredibly exciting times for Steel Benders UK.”
The first stage of development focuses on constructing a new production shed, with steel erection expected to begin early in the new year. Steel Benders UK anticipates being fully operational in Hartlepool by June 2026, if not sooner.
Tania added: “This is the first purpose-built site we’ve ever had. We’ve been looking at this land for two years while we worked through planning challenges, so to now see construction underway is hugely rewarding. Once we’re operational, job creation will follow – we have big ambitions for this site.”
When the main facility is complete, Steel Benders will undertake a phased relocation of machinery, scheduled in line with production plans and customer requirements to ensure consistent service throughout.
In later stages, additional sheds will be refurbished, with rental availability targeted for 2026–2027.
The move from Steel Benders’ current two rented units on Dockside Road, Middlesbrough, represents a major expansion.
The new site will allow for larger equipment, enhanced craneage, improved logistics and significantly increased production capacity – including machines that have been purchased but unable to operate due to space constraints.
Steel Benders’ Operations Director Phil Anderson said: “We’re excited to be at Brenda Road. The increase in capacity – both in process and in steel bending capability – is substantial. All steel work for the project is being supplied by Steel Benders, including beams, rebar and profiles, and we’re proud to be working with local fabrication partners and Brims on this true North-East collaboration.”
Andrew Jackson, Regional Construction Manager at Brims, said: “We are proud to be collaborating with Steel Benders UK as they develop the former steel plant on Brenda Road.
“Our close partnership throughout the pre-construction phase was instrumental in bringing this redevelopment forward.
“It is excellent to now see our team leading the initial phase, bringing a long-standing industrial site back into productive use. This is a truly North-East-led scheme, and we are confident that the strong progress we are already making will deliver a facility that will serve Steel Benders and Hartlepool for decades to come.”
The new Hartlepool operation is designed to be a “bigger and better version” of the company’s existing facility, with plans for three larger sheds, a dedicated laser shed, an extra 5m in height and a much wider working environment.
Phil added: “We’ll be able to hold more stock, work more efficiently and speed up production. We are proud to remain on Teesside and committed to investing in the exceptional local talent we have here.”
Steel Benders UK has secured a grant from the Tees Valley Combined Authority, to help fund capital investment and job creation.
