AN engineer has set its sights on decades of future growth after a buyout created jobs and new contracts.

Grorud Engineering says a management restructure leaves it primed to build on its 60-year history.

The business, based near Consett, County Durham, provides services for the healthcare and automotive sectors, with customers including Sunderland-based car maker Nissan.

However, bosses say the company can go even further, revealing new shop floor practices have already strengthened production and opened doors for new contracts.

They added the changes have also provided room to recruit a handful of new workers and six apprentices.

Grorud’s services encompass metal pressing, pre-production, including design and prototype work, and electrophoretic coating, which applies anti-corrosion protection to a range of components.

Michael Brooks, operations manager, said it was now readying itself to buy new machinery, including press tools and equipment upgrades to sustain its momentum and provide scope for new business.

He said: “We have come a long way in the last 12 months but this investment will ensure we maintain the efficiency and quality of service customers recognise.

“Our multi-national clients have noted significant developments and have praised the improvements and awarded new work based on the increased performance and improved quality levels.

“The buyout provided the opportunity for a shake-up of the company.

“In the last 12 months, new operating practices have resulted in a 100 per cent increase in efficiency in the electrophoretic coating department and a 74 per cent increase across the whole factory providing potential for new opportunities.”

Mr Brooks also revealed the firm, which employs about 110 people, has strengthened its senior team, with David Baines joining to provide support for the press shop and Mark Thompson taking on a business development role.

He added: “The investment and reform can be seen throughout the company.

“Everyone involved from the shop floor upwards are preparing the way for us to continue as a key force in engineering in the North-East for the next 60 years.”