Thornaby FC are celebrating a major off-the-pitch milestone this week as they watch their primary shirt sponsor, Steel Benders UK (SBUK), edge closer to completing a relocation to a new facility in Hartlepool.
Construction has rapidly stepped up in recent months on Steel Benders’ expansive new six-acre site at Brenda Road.
With the foundations firmly set and the steel frame of the towering building now dominating the skyline, the next phases of development are now coming into view. The strong progress has raised optimism that Steel Benders UK will begin operating from the site in the near future.
By the time the doors officially open, Thornaby FC will have wrapped up a memorable season as a club, having worn the Steel Benders UK logo on their chests with pride.
Ryan McKnight, Thornaby’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support Steel Benders UK has shown us as our primary shirt sponsor this season.
“To see the rapid progress being made on their new site in Hartlepool is genuinely exciting for everyone associated with the club.
“It is fantastic to see a partner who shares our community values and ambition taking such a massive step forward, and we couldn’t be happier to see their new home taking shape.”
The close-knit relationship between the football club and the steel specialists was cemented last year when representatives from Thornaby visited the Brenda Road site to mark the official start of construction.
In a special gesture of mutual support, the club presented Steel Benders with a framed team shirt, highlighting the Teesside club’s commitment to their official main sponsor.
The operations of Steel Benders UK — currently based in Middlesbrough and renowned specialists in steel profiling, forming and bending — are planned to transition into a state-of-the-art, 40,000 sq ft factory in Hartlepool.
The move is set to significantly boost the company’s manufacturing capacity, particularly in high-profile, high-demand sectors like renewable energy and construction, while simultaneously creating valuable new jobs within the region.
Phil Anderson, Operations Director of Steel Benders UK, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the pace of the construction. Seeing the steel frame go up really brings the vision to life, and we are incredibly excited about the opportunities our new Hartlepool facility will bring.
“It has also been a brilliant journey sharing this year with Thornaby FC. We are very proud to be on the front of their shirts, and we are really looking forward to seeing how strongly the club finishes the season, both on the pitch and in the community.”
Steel Benders UK support hasn’t just stopped at the existing partnership, with the firm sponsoring this weekend’s fixtures against Boldon CA and Ponteland United Women, including sponsoring this weekend’s issue of the matchday programme.
