Pennine Creates New Jobs with Further Investment

Pennine Windows and Conservatories is creating new jobs as it invests around half a million pounds into its business. Conservatory specialists Pennine Home Improvements is developing two promotional and display sites that between them could generate more than 50 new jobs.

The first site is at the entrance to North Tyne industrial estate at Benton. Pennine plans to develop a state-of-the-art showroom to promote its award-winning windows and conservatories as well as a new call centre which will accommodate 40 staff.

The centre will also be the base for the company's door-to-door operation, which will be expanded to 20 canvassers. The second investment will focus on developing a new 'show village' at Heighley Gate Garden Centre, just north of Morpeth, to display its 'A-rated' energy efficient windows and 'new generation' conservatories.

The investment comes on the back of Pennine winning its third national industry award in two years for the quality of its work and products.

Sales director Mel Gess said: "Encouraged by our success in such challenging times we have decided to invest in ambitious expansions plans including the new site at Benton.

"At the same time we are looking to recruit more demonstrators to cover our expanding in-store display operation. This additional investment in our sales division will also be reflected in an increase of staff in our installation department.

"Taking everything into account we will be looking to create in the region of 50 new jobs."

Against stiff competition from other manufacturers and installers across the country, Pennine has for the second year in a row scooped the National Conservatory Installer of the Year award sponsored by Quantal. This follows on from last year when Pennine was named as the National Retail Installer of 2009 in the Sierra sponsored competition.

"As a regional company we are thrilled to have won our third national award in just two years," added Mr Gess.

"Like the other two awards this latest accolade was made in recognition of the outstanding quality of our installations as well as our commitment to providing the very highest standards of service."

Pennine is now part of the successful Crownfold Group.