AN offshore equipment maker says it has secured a world first to enhance its international status.

InPipe Products, in Brompton on Swale, near Catterick, North Yorkshire, makes machines, known as pigs, which are forced through offshore energy pipes to remove debris.

Bosses say it has now agreed to deliver a pig for an Algerian power plant, with the 90in structure destined for use on a structure carrying cooling water.

The pig, ordered by South Korean conglomerate Daewoo, is believed to be the biggest of its kind globally and will be the largest ever made by InPipe.

The equipment will be produced over a 16-week period and is expected to be shipped to North Africa later this year.

Simon Bell, managing director, said it was proof of the company’s offshore sector stature.

He said: “This is a massive job and we won the order because of our excellence as a design, engineering and manufacturing company, rather than just a commodity supplier.

“I can’t think of any other firm worldwide that is set up to manufacture the moulds to make this pig and its handling equipment.”

Mr Bell added such repute has also allowed InPipe to withstand the challenges of the falling oil price.

He said: “The oil price is down and the cost of production in the North Sea is high compared to the rest of the world.

“However, if you look at the Near East and the Far East, and parts of Russia, they seem less concerned about the price of oil.

“In those areas, there’s still demand and we are seeing business as usual.”

The firm’s Algerian project comes as it continues to expand, helped by a move from a base in nearby Colburn, to carry out more work and testing.

The company previously told The Northern Echo that change would allow it to swell its workforce, and Mr Bell confirmed staff numbers have risen from 67 to more than 80.

It also opened global headquarters in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to target increased sales and develop products, including pig-tracking equipment.

The firm is a member of NOF Energy, the UK business development organisation for oil, gas and offshore renewables, which helps companies export to many areas, including the Far East.

Joanne Leng, deputy chief executive, hailed InPipe as an example to emulate.

She added: “This company demonstrates UK firms can adapt to changing times and market conditions, delivering innovative solutions to different sectors in any part of the world.

“It also shows the appetite of South Korean industry for UK engineering expertise.”