A DOMESTIC appliance repair firm hopes to create more than 40 North-East jobs in a £2m expansion.

Pacifica Group, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, has opened a new site in Washington, Wearside.

Bosses say it will deliver about 45 posts.

Founded in 2003, the group is made up of six companies, with its 0800 Repair brand installing, servicing and repairing central heating systems and gas appliances.

Kevin Brown, Pacifica director, said the move will allow the firm to continue targeting more work across Europe.

He added: “This investment marks a major milestone for us as we embark on the next phase of our expansion.

“It has put us in a great position to achieve our aim of becoming Europe’s premier support services provider to the domestic appliance industry.”

The company, based off Chester-le-Street’s Picktree Lane, was supported in its growth by the Finance for Business North East (FBNE) programme, a suite of seven funds managed by North East Finance.

Pacifica secured £500,000 from FW Capital, managers of the North East Growth Plus Fund, with a further £1.16m in a commercial mortgage and loan from HSBC.

Jason Hobbs, North East Finance finance director, said the deal was its 650th investment in the region.

He said: “This significant milestone puts us well on the way to achieving our goal of supporting more than 900 businesses by the end of next year.

“The fund was launched to provide alternative investment at a time when companies were finding mainstream affordable finance hard to come by.

“Now, as the economic recovery continues to gather momentum, more companies are seeking debt and equity-based investments to fast-track their expansion plans.”

Joanne Pratt, FW Capital’s North-East fund manager, said she was delighted to support Pacifica’s growth.

She added: “The company has become a major player in the European domestic appliance industry and built an excellent reputation, taking on staff as they’ve expanded.

“The move to Washington is an important step and the investment is an excellent example of how we can work alongside other funders to structure investment packages for ambitious firms.”

In 2012, Pacifica safeguarded 56 jobs after acquiring home delivery specialist Hi Way Express, in West Yorkshire.