A DESIGN engineer from a Government-backed North-East firm will play a key role in an international conference.

Kapila Warnakulasuriya, from Carroll and Meynell Transformers, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, will speak at the power electronics conference, in São Paulo, Brazil, later this month.

Peter McGurr, commercial manager said: “This invitation recognises the valuable contribution made by Kapila, but also Carroll and Meynell’s continued investment in solutions to meet the dynamic demands of customers and markets.”

Earlier this year, Chancellor George Osborne visited Carroll and Meynell, which supplies transformers used to change voltages.

It was previously forced to go down to a four day week as it battled the recession.

However, it has now rebuilt its workforce to more than 100 staff, with bosses hoping to create another 50 posts in the next three years after spending £1m on a warehouse and machinery.

Mr Osborne said its success was a template to achieve future growth and jobs in the region.

He added: “This company is an example of the good things happening in the North-East.

“It is increasing North-East exports around the world and we want to see more businesses exporting.

“We have got to do more of this.”