A DOOR company is creating jobs after winning two major contracts and investing in new equipment.

North East Panels, which is headquartered on Washington’s Pattinson South Industrial Estate and also has a factory near Nottingham, makes doors for local council social housing and trade customers. The company employs 75 people and is adding between six to eight new positions, with plans for further recruitment later in the year.

The new jobs are a result of two new contracts with local authorities in Yorkshire and the addition of a CNC beam saw, which was partly funded by the Regional Growth Fund.

North East Panels director, Dave Sugden, said: “Halfway through last year, we got steadily busier. The industry has become more vibrant after being up and down over the last few years."