TEESSIDE company MP Storage and Blending is doubling its workforce after being acquired by a national firm, which is re-locating part of its operation to the region.

Banner Chemicals Group has moved its solvent storage and distribution depot to Middlesbrough's Deepwater Wharf, where its new acquisition, MP Storage, has operated for more than 30 years.

The move - which marks an investment of several million pounds - will see MP Storage's current workforce of 25 doubled and potential growth.

It has been hailed as another boost for the Tees Valley's thriving chemicals industry by the North-East Process Industries Cluster.

Banner is building a solvent tank farm on the site and has allocated a three-acre plot for its warehouse and distribution operation.

The company was forced to relocate part of its operations from its base in east London after the site was acquired by the London Development Agency as part of the London 2012 Olympics project, and chose Teesside after making its latest acquisition.

Ray Mallon, Mayor of Middlesbrough, said: "This is further proof that Middlesbrough is open for business."