SEEDS Tech Firm Announces Major North East Expansion at NETPark
A pioneering technology company has unveiled significant expansion plans in the North East region. Engineered graphene technology firm SEEDS will be relocating to a new dedicated facility at Sedgefield's NETPark as part of a substantial £100 million expansion of the site. This strategic move will enable the company to transition from research and development into full-scale commercial production, allowing it to supply its innovative technology to major international manufacturers across various industries.
Targeting Global Markets with Advanced Technology
The company is specifically targeting customers in the global aerospace, energy, semiconductors, and automotive sectors. This development is supported by the new phase at NETPark, which offers companies more than 285,000 square feet of high-specification laboratory and advanced manufacturing space. The expanded science park is projected to create approximately 1,250 skilled jobs on site and contribute an impressive £625 million to the local economy over the next decade, marking a significant boost for regional development.
Defining Moment for Commercial Deployment
Jason Chehal, founder of SEEDS, emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating: "This expansion marks a defining moment for SEEDS, as we move from research excellence into full commercial deployment. Over the past decade, we've developed a way to engineer graphene not just as a material, but as a platform technology that can be tuned to solve real-world industrial challenges at scale."
He continued: "Moving into our new facility at NETPark allows us to begin delivering customer specific systems across industries including microelectronics, energy storage, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. What's particularly powerful is the ecosystem we're part of here. Collaborations with CPI, Mitsui, and Pragmatic Semiconductor demonstrate how innovation in County Durham can translate directly into global industrial impact."
Chehal added: "We are now at the point where the technology is proven, the demand is established, and the pathways to market are clear. Each production system we deploy has the potential to support a major manufacturer anywhere in the world. That positions not only SEEDS, but the North East and the UK, at the forefront of next generation materials and electronics."
Council Support for Advanced Manufacturing
Councillor Joe Quinn, Durham County Council's cabinet member for planning, investment and assets, expressed strong support for the expansion. He stated: "SEEDS' expansion at NETPark reflects the critical role County Durham plays in the UK's advanced manufacturing landscape. We are delighted to support SEEDS' growth and would urge any expanding business looking for modern facilities to come and see the exceptional offer we have here at NETPark."
The expansion announcement was attended by key figures including Torquil Gundlach, head of the Argonaut Programme at SEEDS; Peter Chalder-Wood, head of Strategic Partnerships at SEEDS; Sara Williams, NETPark manager; and Christian Pape, property director at Business Durham, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this significant development.
