MANUFACTURER ALM Group has invested thousands of pounds in making its operations more energy efficient.

The firm, which has a manufacturing base in Newton Aycliffe, and a coatings division in Fishburn, near Sedgefield, both County Durham has bought a catalytic, gas-fired, infra-red oven.

The £18,400 project - which is expected to help the company make energy savings of more than £5,000 and 51 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year - has been funded by the Carbon Trust through its energy efficiency loan scheme.

ALM - whose coatings division has recently been accredited by industrial firm Akzo Nobel through its Service First programme - was set up in 2004, and employs 40 people. The company, which makes hardware for changing rooms and cubicles, records a turnover of more than £3m.

Its customers includes Tanfield Group, Thorn Lighting and Roman Showers.

Tony Thompson, ALM managing director, said the Carbon Trust loan and Akzo Nobel endorsement had come as a double boost to the company.

"Being included in Akzo Nobel's Service First scheme is a real feather in our cap. We are also really grateful for the support from the Carbon Trust," he said.