A CAR parts maker has been supported by a North-East university to increase staff training.

Nifco UK, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, worked with Teesside University to give 12 workers a better understanding of the firm’s plastic moulding expertise.

The company makes millions of plastic products, from door handles to cup holders, for almost every make of vehicle on UK roads, including Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Honda.

Earlier this year, bosses signed a memorandum of understanding with the university to work closely on skills, innovation and research and development.

Darlington-born Mike Matthews MBE, Nifco UK managing director and European operations officer, said: “This is part of our journey to being an excellent company and building skills to deal with the challenges in the polymer industry.

“There are limited providers of polymer training in the North-East, so it’s fantastic Teesside University has been able to help us bridge our skills gap.”

Dr David Hughes, from the university’s school of science and engineering, added: “Workers will now be able to make informed decisions and see where problems and challenges may occur.”

Earlier this year, The Northern Echo revealed how Nifco UK had opened its second factory in less than three years, as it targets a doubling of sales and staff numbers by 2020.

Mr Matthews added it could open a third plant, with continued rising demand anticipated for the rest of the decade.