AN electric vehicle parts maker has started a 200-job recruitment drive as it seeks to build on a £320m order book.

Sevcon wants engineers to support a North-East factory move and the business’ ongoing international expansion.

The company, known for supplying controllers for the all-electric Renault Twizy city car, aims to take on 200 workers over the next three years.

Officials say an initial 20 staff will join the Gateshead firm over the coming months, with further phased additions coming thereafter.

The plans cap a strong period for Sevcon, which has contracts worth £320m in its order book and is moving into a new Team Valley site, less than 200 yards away from its existing base, to ramp up manufacturing and testing work.

Louise Morshead, human resources manager, said the firm stands ready to take the next step in its growth, adding it will remain true to its roots.

She said: “These are exciting times and we are keen to hear from ambitious technicians and test engineers.

“The business is growing quickly with many major motor manufacturers turning to us to support the switch from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles to electric and hybrid vehicles.

“We have strong roots in the North-East and are very keen to invest in and nurture local talent.”

Ms Morshead added officials also wish to hear from youngsters who want to work at the company, either by starting as an apprentice or by studying at university, with the latter providing an opportunity for people to benefit from a bursary scheme.

Sevcon, which presently employs 80 staff, previously announced a deal worth up to £160m to develop an electric drivetrain for a Chinese and European vehicle maker and has two agreements, worth more than £56m, with a British supercar company to help develop controls for electrifying drive systems in high-performance machines.

The business has also opened an office at Milton Park, near Oxford, which could yield further work with nearby Formula One teams and motor companies.

However, a main driver in its recent growth has been bosses’ decision to take on Italian battery charger producer Bassi.

The company acquired Bassi a year ago to increase its hold on the electric vehicle market, sell more equipment and enhance new controllers.