AN offshore protection firm is pushing on with expansion plans after revealing a new division.

Mech-Tool Engineering, in Darlington, is launching HVAC Solutions, which bosses say will enhance its marketplace presence.

The company makes and supplies fire, blast and heat protection systems used on offshore platforms, and says the HVAC venture, which is focused on heating, ventilation and air conditioning, will create at least eight jobs.

The firm already runs three units; design consultancy, fire and blast and modular solutions.

However, Dr Keith Bell said its expansion will give the business direct day-to-day control of design, manufacturing and testing of HVAC projects to ensure schemes are fulfilled on time and in budget.

The division will be operated from the company’s Darlington manufacturing base.

Late last year, The Northern Echo revealed the business had created 20 jobs after securing the most valuable deal in its history – a £37m contract to design and make units for a Kazakhstan oil field development.

The Kazakh agreement includes scope to design, engineer, make and fit-out a field operation office module and 20 enclosures for instruments on the Tengiz oil field.

Mech-Tool’s Darlington head office and manufacturing base are supported by a site in Middlesbrough.