AN engine maker is creating jobs to keep pace with rising global demand, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Cummins aims to add around 40 staff to its workforce to meet customer clamour across Europe and Asia.

Bosses say the drive will cover all aspects of the Darlington-based business, with engineering and design roles complementing supply chain and back office positions.

The company is also offering a host of graduate roles and placements, as officials look to follow up a previous recruitment campaign.

A spokesman last night told the Echo that the firm, which employs around 1,000 people and is known for supplying engines to power London’s distinctive doubledecker buses, was benefiting from increased demand in a number of regions, including China, Korea and Europe.

He added: “We have recruited 40 additional staff to date and are looking to bring in approximately 40 more.”

The business’ jobs include a systems engineer, thermal and fluid science engineer, diesel calibration engineer and design leader, with its placements focused on areas such as finance, human resources and project management.

The Echo last year revealed Cummins’ engines will power a new Alexander Dennis fleet destined for Mexico City.

Bosses said the company’s engines will help reduce pollution from the double-decker buses as they travel along the Paseo de la Reforma, regarded as Mexico City’s answer to The Mall.

Cummins has vast experience of supporting bus operators, with its order book including a flagship deal to supply hundreds of cleaner engines for London-based Routemasters.

It has also sent engines to Germany, Belgium and Finland.