A TECHNOLOGY firm is creating highly-skilled jobs to bolster its work in the region.

Mobile phone transmitter maker Filtronic has expanded to Netpark, in Sedgefield, County Durham.

The company, which employs 85 workers, develops transmitters and chips linking mobile smartphones to networks.

Bosses are now advertising for engineers to strengthen its growing UK broadband business and new North-East production centre of excellence, which features extensive laboratory, clean room and production space.

Earlier this year, The Northern Echo exclusively revealed Filtronic was staying in the North-East after leaving the former RFMD microelectronics plant in Newton Aycliffe when the US firm moved out of the region.

Alan Needle, Filtronic chief executive, said the move would be highly important as it looks to build on a growing communications market.

He previously reiterated the company's commitment to the North-East after unveiling plans to develop new products in the region.

He said: “We now have a centre of excellence that will be great benefit to all our customers.

“The North-East is an important part of our plans and we have spent a lot of money to develop market-leading technology.

“When our new products come in, we expect them to improve the broadband business.

“People are using more and more data on their smartphones and need higher capabilities to access that data.

“All of the broadband manufacturing is done in the UK and we are always going to be in this country.

“The morale in the broadband department is high, and we now have an opportunity to consolidate our position.”

Business Durham, Durham County Council's business division, supported Filtronic's move to Sedgefield and said its continued presence was a major positive for the North-East.

Dr Simon Goon, Business Durham managing director, added: “This is a double boost for the region as we have helped support jobs and expand Netpark's burgeoning technology and innovation cluster.”