Supergrip (UK) Limited is a local company which was located on Aycliffe Business Park until recently when it relocated to larger premises in Coniscliffe Road, Darlington. The company specialise in supplying bespoke equipment for the subsea protection of umbilicals, flexible risers and steel pipelines during installation and operation. Gordon Conlon (born and bred in Newton Aycliffe) and Director at Supergrip, said “Supergrip are a small business co-owned by myself and Darren Blackburn with our engineering offices in the North East and production facility located in Colne in Lancashire.”
Supergrip have sponsored Sunderland footballer, Luke Molyneux, also from Newton Aycliffe. Luke is an attacking pacey winger and was scouted by Sunderland at the age of 13 whilst attending St. John’s Catholic School in Bishop Auckland. He was awarded a 2 year scholarship at SAFC Academy at the age of 16. He has progressed through the ranks at the Academy and made his debut for the first team at the end of last season starring in the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton. Luke has recently gone on loan to Gateshead until January 2019 to further his development and to get regular first team football. He made his debut for Gateshead in the televised 1-0 win over Ebsfleet United on Saturday 9th September.
Gordon said: “Luke is the nephew of one of my best mates, Philip Molyneux. Phil and myself first met in 1972 aged 4 years old when we started St. Joseph’s Primary School in Newton Aycliffe. We have been mates since then going on to St. John’s School and attending Sunderland games together. During a night out in Durham recently to celebrate Phil’s 50th birthday, the opportunity arose for Supergrip to sponsor Luke’s kit. With the relationship between Phil and myself, and also knowing Luke’s Mam (Jane) and grandparents (Peter and Anne), I jumped at the chance.” Luke’s family are very proud of his achievements so far and none more so than his Grandad, Peter, and his Uncle Philip who are both life long supporters of Sunderland AFC.
“As a company we try and support local people and good causes when and where we can. As part of the SAFC sponsorship package, we received a hospitality day at the Stadium of Light on Saturday 8th September, which was attended by members of both Phil’s and my family and was made all the nicer as it coincided with my dad Matt’s 89th birthday. I also received a signed shirt from Luke which will take pride of place in our Supergrip boardroom. Everyone at Supergrip wish Luke well for the remainder of the season and we will be following his career with great interest.”
