A GLOBAL car parts maker running a major North-East operation has reported higher revenues and profits.

Gestamp Tallent says a continued commitment to meeting customers’ needs helped propel annual financial results.

According to its figures, revenues were up 7.3 per cent last year to £6.6bn, with pretax profit 38 per cent better off at £305m.

Earlier this year, The Northern Echo reported how Gestamp, which previously announced a £12m expansion to make next generation chassis and suspension, had revealed plans to carry out a factory extension.

The proposals, subsequently approved by Durham County Council, are expected to deliver more than 50 new jobs at Gestamp’s base on Newton Aycliffe Business Park, where it already employs in excess of 1,000 people across a number of buildings.

Bosses say an existing car parking area, off Howden Road, will make way for the extension.

The expansion will further add to Gestamp’s vast Aycliffe base, where, over the years, it has made parts for marques such as Sunderlandbased Nissan, Bentley, Ford and Toyota.