A South Tyneside business that began life in a tiny office with makeshift production lines stretching along business centre corridors is celebrating 25 years of innovation and growth in the borough.
Cell Pack Solutions has grown from humble beginnings into one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of custom battery packs and portable power solutions, supplying customers across a range of industries and growing its team to 30 people.
The milestone marks a remarkable journey for MD Eddie Czestochowski, who grew the firm from a small office at Jarrow Business Centre into a thriving advanced manufacturer.
The operation is a far cry from its early days in Jarrow, when Eddie would wait until neighbouring businesses had gone home before taking over the building’s corridors to create temporary production lines for Cell Pack’s first product range.
Eddie said:
“We’ve come such a long way from our early days. Not only did we used to take over the corridors after hours to form makeshift production lines, the office was tiny! But it helped us get a start and was such an important moment in the history of the company.
“Like many businesses, you run on ambition. Every move we’ve made has been about creating opportunities that would take us to the next level as a business.”
The company expanded into larger premises at South Shields Business Works before purchasing its own facility in 2013, where it has since invested in offices, workshops and secured planning consent for an additional warehouse to support future growth.
Today, Cell Pack designs, develops and manufactures battery packs alongside supplying high-performance batteries and portable power solutions to customers across sectors including manufacturing, construction, engineering, healthcare, retail, culture and the arts.
Its innovative Tracer Power range has earned recognition for powering everything from theatre productions to construction sites.
Eddie said:
“We supply batteries to virtually every sector and our Tracer Power line is increasingly popular in the world of arts and culture. It’s a briefcase-sized battery pack that has been used to power the DeLorean lights in the Back to the Future musical, while the Royal Opera House and National Theatre have also used it to power props during productions.
“We also supply high-end jewellery and watch retailers to power display cabinets at exhibitions.
“Products are increasingly really popular in construction. Rather than a noisy diesel generator running all day to power lighting, se offer silent battery packs that provide reliable power for hours while reducing noise and emissions.”
Eddie’s own story is closely linked with South Tyneside. Moving to the borough over 40 years ago after meeting his future partner, now wife, Michelleat Manchester Polytechnic, he worked at battery manufacturer Crompton Eternacell before establishing Cell Pack. SAFT eventually took over Crompton, but when it closed in 2024 Eddie was able to offer jobs to several former colleagues, helping retain valuable engineering skills within the borough.
Two years ago, Eddie sold a majority shareholding in the business to Swedish investors, but only after securing assurances that Cell Pack would remain firmly rooted in South Tyneside.
He said:
“Keeping the business here was incredibly important to me. The South Tyneside business community, particularly the Manufacturing Forum, has been hugely supportive.
“It’s also fair to say we wouldn’t be where we are today without South Tyneside Council’s business team. They’ve been with us every step of the way, from helping us secure our first office through every move we’ve made since.
“Whenever we’ve needed advice, guidance or support, they’ve been there. Our success is a real testament to the strength of that partnership.”
Away from manufacturing, Eddie has become a South Tyneside community champion. Chair of South Shields Chess Club – an organisation with more than 160 years of history – he introduces young people to the game. He also serves as a Trustee of The Customs House and actively supports Better Health at Work and Armed Forces Day.
Eddie said:
“I love chess – it’s a real passion. It’s fantastic teaching youngsters and watching them develop their skills and confidence. Chess teaches strategy, patience and thinking about the impact of your decisions. In a world full of distractions, it’s wonderful to see young people discovering the game and enjoying it.”
Cell Pack marked its 25th anniversary with a celebration at its South Shields HQ featuring pizza ovens, live music and a surprise brass band masterclass delivered by BackChat Brass.
Eddie added
“I like doing things that are a little different to the norm. When I heard about this group inspiring young people through music, I thought it would be brilliant to bring them into the factory. I love brass jazz fusion bands, so it was fantastic seeing everyone enjoying themselves – and, quite literally, blowing their own trumpets.”
Sara Dunlop, Economic Growth and Skills Service Manager at South Tyneside Council said:
“Cell Pack is a superb example of the innovative manufacturing businesses that are helping drive South Tyneside’s economy.
“Eddie Czestochowski and his team have built a modern, forward-thinking company that has created skilled jobs, invested in local people and continues to give so much back to our communities.
“We’re proud to have supported Cell Pack throughout its growth journey and look forward to seeing the business continue to thrive. Congratulations to everyone on reaching this fantastic 25-year milestone.”
For more information about Cell Pack see: Cell Pack Solutions – Custom Battery Pack Design & Assembly UK
For more information on the business centres in South Tyneside see: Business Centres – Invest South Tyneside
