A COUNTY Durham technology firm is expanding its global presence with work alongside a US customer, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Filtronic is overseeing a wireless broadband product, which is expected to be in operation next year.

The Echo can also confirm the business, based at NetPark, in Sedgefield, plans to create a number of jobs over the coming 12 months.

Bosses say its US agreement aims to improve broadband provision by providing fast and reliable data connections without the disruption and cost of laying swathes of cabling underneath roads and footpaths.

They also said it could be a catalyst for further growth, with its customer having the potential to carry out geographical expansion.

Rob Smith, chief executive, said the arrangement was another fillip for Filtronic, which already has a multi-million pound national security deal focused on supplying high-frequency modules for aerospace work in its order book.

He said: “The broadband work is kicking off now and development is going on.

“It will be at one location but there is potential to grow, and deployment is expected to be in about a years’ time.”

The agreement provides fresh delight for Filtronic, which is known for the Orpheus e-band transceiver, which increases the amount and quality of data that networks, including the telecoms sector, can carry.

It also comes after latest financial results showed the firm expects to more than double annual group revenue to £35.4m and report an operating profit of around £1.7m after strong progress across its entire operations.

Mr Smith said the company was gaining confidence, despite operating in an environment, particularly telecoms, which can have its unpredictable moments.

He also confirmed plans to take its existing 66-strong Sedgefield workforce to 75.

He added: “The challenge is that every month we start from zero but we have got some really exciting opportunities and are excited about the new chapters with e-band.

“We are competing on a world stage and most of our customers are international.

“The excitement levels are high and most people find it a fulfilling place to work.

“Another ten people in the next 12 months is not out of the question.”

Poised for a quantum leap - see pages 28 & 29