Those who have kept an eye on the former Nature's World site, off Middlesbrough's Sandy Flatts Lane, will have noticed a pretty swift turnaround.
The TekConstruct strand of the TekGroup has worked very closely as the sub-contractor to leading UK construction and engineering firm Tilbury Douglas to help build a long-awaited school for youngsters with special educational needs.
The two companies have combined since the start on design and engineering before manufacturing and delivering to site, with an install time of 12-13 weeks on the Discovery Special Academy.
Tees Valley Education reported earlier in the year that the project had "attracted a high level of publicity" and support from the wider community after Middlesbrough Council's planning committee voted unanimously for the construction of the new, purpose-built school on 2,900m sq m of land.
Teesside-based TekGroup's managing director Andy Scholes said: "For us it's been brilliant because it has meant we have worked alongside a tier 1 main contractor on this project and local work, which is fantastic, even though we work nationwide.
"We haven't done much in the local area recently so to get another job here for our locally-based workforce has been nice. To be the first choice for Tilbury Douglas is perfect too.
"It has represented repeat business for us and that is the best type of work because it highlights the good job you do. Tilbury Douglas have been brilliant to work with and are extremely professional."
Tek is based at its 30,000-sq ft factory and office complex on Sotheby Road, Middlesbrough, named Neil House, formerly occupied by Hertel, on the Skippers Lane Industrial Estate.
It is the base of all the firm's various strands: TekBuild, TekConstruct, TekFrame, TekDesign and, the November addition to the group, TekContracting.
Since Paul Hutchinson founded the original company, TekBuild, in 2017, it has gone from strength to strength. Work tended to be carried out nationally but the Discovery Academy is a further sign of an increase in work in this area.
TekGroup business development manager Anthony Pepper said: "It is going to be a special academy and one we are delighted to have played a huge part in constructing.
"We have installed light gauge steel wall panels with Y-wall render boards to the external face and OSB boards to the roof
"We received architect drawings and the engineering information before setting out the design programme to reflect the intended design, also attending a number of weekly meetings.
"It has been fantastic to see it develop and take shape. The intentions throughout have been met with the assistance of Tilbury Douglas and architectural designer HLP UK."
It is hoped the Discovery Academy will open next summer, with places for 84 youngsters aged four to 11.
The opening will help meet the demand for special school places across Teesside and will end five years of planning since Tees Valley Education Multi Academy Trust started talks with the Department for Education.
Given its Nature's World history, outdoor learning will be encouraged in areas such as exploration and supported risk-taking.
TekGroup has been delighted to play a part in the installation of an environment that will be safe and help children with special educational needs and disabilities thrive.
As Andy and Anthony chat inside Neil House, named after the father of founder Paul Hutchinson, it is clear how proud they are of the TekGroup's progression and expansion from its smaller unit in Billingham in such a short space of time.
Anthony said: "We specialise in modern methods of construction. It is a process which focuses on off-site production techniques.
"Through our different strands we can now go to market, estimate, design, engineer and supply before installing it.
"We now have TekContracting too and that provides a full turn-key solution for our clients where required. It really has been an incredible rise."
Source: Tees Business
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