A CAR parts maker has marked a safety record.

Nifco UK, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, has recorded more than two million hours of incident-free work.

The company makes plastic components from door handles to bumper brackets for Nissan, Ford and Honda, sending out 20 million car parts every month.

Bosses have now given its 400-strong workforce rucksacks to mark their safety achievements, which date back to 2008 and is the longest consecutive stretch of safe working hours since the factory opened 45 years ago.

Mike Matthews, Nifco UK managing director and European operations officer, said: “Modern manufacturing really is a far cry from the blue collar industry many people remember.

“Two million safe working hours is a phenomenal achievement and I'm proud of every member of the team.”

Earlier this year, Nifco bosses unveiled plans to increase turnover to £75m by 2016.

It is also close to expanding its factory to include a research and development centre and extra manufacturing space.