A FAMILY-RUN North-East manufacturing business has expanded into bigger premises, heralding significant growth for the firm.

Wearside business Wessington Cryogenics has opened a factory, which will enable it to branch out into international markets and create a wider range of products.

The company, which manufactures specialist gas storage tanks, moved to the 70,000ft factory in Houghton’s Rainton Bridge business park from premises in nearby Philadelphia.

Director Gill Southern, her father, Eddie Rowe, and brother, Paul Rowe, run the 26-year-old business, which has remained strong through the recession with a steady £10m turnover.

Wessington Cryogenics exports more than 80 per cent of its products worldwide and customers include the Ministry of Defence and Nasa.

Ms Southern said: “The move to the new premises has already opened up more opportunities for us to take on new work and expand the portfolio of products that we make.

“We are already looking at producing more vessels for the South American market which is a new area for us.

“Our new factory is more than double the size of our old premises in Philadelphia so we are able to build larger vessels.

“We have also had an opportunity to review all areas of manufacturing to optimise floor space and process layout so we will be able to turnaround more products in a shorter timeframe.”