AN engineering firm has appointed two fabrication specialists to develop its wind cable laying vehicle, which could create new North-East jobs.

IHC Engineering Business says Dyer Engineering, based in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham, and PJ Engineering Products, in South Shields, South Tyneside, are supporting its work on its new Hi-Traq craft.

Bosses say the firms will work closely on building the vehicle, which will lay cables on offshore wind farms.

Dyer, which hopes the work will help its own plans to create new posts, will supply the craft's steering leg, steering pivot, wishbones, and bogies.

PJ Engineering will make the chassis and track sides.

Charlotte Pugh, project manager at IHC, which is based in Stocksfield, Northumberland, and part of the IHC Merwede group, said: “Establishing a robust and experienced supply chain is essential in developing new technology, and Dyer and PJ have excellent credentials in this sector.”

Graeme Parkins, Dyer Engineering's managing director, said: “This is an important project for us, as it will support our own growth plans and create new jobs.

“IHC’s reputation in the development of subsea trenching vehicles is second-to-none and our appointment to this project is a major endorsement of our capabilities.”

The Hi-Traq project is part of the RETA project, which is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme.