SPECIALIST glass manufacturer Romag is launching its Power- Glaz range in France and the United Arab Emirates as a result of the soaring worldwide demand for photovoltaic glass.

The company, based in Consett, County Durham, has seen a 69 per cent increase in sales over the past six months to £11.58m, buoyed by the performance of PowerGlaz, a photovoltaic glass that converts the sun's rays into electricity.

The world market for photovoltaic glass is estimated to have grown by 60 per cent last year as the emphasis on renewable energy increases. Exports now account for 72 per cent of the company's total sales.

Yesterday, Lyn Miles, chief executive of Romag - which also announced a 21 per cent lift in pre-tax profits to £0.9m in an "excellent"

set of results - revealed that the company is eyeing new territory in which to launch its PowerGlaz range.

"We have been very successful already in the European market, in Germany and Spain, and France is a very interesting new territory for us," she said.

"We are also looking to penetrate the market in the United Arab Emirates. The company has recently entered into a commercial agreement in Dubai for our products to be promoted throughout that region. The market itself is growing so dramatically, and Romag is well-placed to take advantages of opportunities."

Romag has committed to doubling production capacity at its base to 28 megawatts a year by this summer, with the installation of two new lines.

The move is expected to create about 40 jobs, in addition to the 50 jobs that have been been created since March last year. There are 160 members of staff and recruitment is said to be "ongoing"

for the foreseeable future.

Ms Miles said that although Romag remains committed to the UK and the North-East, the market turbulence means the company will remain cautious.

"The US remains an interesting market for us, but we believe we have to exercise a little caution given the current economic situation," she said.

"However, that is by no means to say we are ignoring the UK. We will do everything we can to promote the product domestically.

This company is part of the UK economy, and the North-East economy, and we will always be committed to strengthening that position."