A WAREHOUSE firm has started searching for workers to fill 120 posts after completing a £23m expansion.

Vantec Europe has built a 436,000sq ft base in Sunderland, which will handle parts for Wearside car maker Nissan.

Bosses say the development, the first to open on Hillthorn Business Park, is their largest regional site and the biggest ever overseas project carried out by their Japanese parent company, Vantec Corporation.

The firm already employs more than 1,000 North-East staff at two existing sites close to Nissan’s plant, including a 417,000sq ft warehouse on Turbine Business Park, which opened three years ago.

Officials added their Hillthorn venture is already full with stock, with workers now needed to oversee operations.

Speaking at the site’s official opening, Yokinobu Kodama, Vantec Corporation president, said the ceremony was the perfect way to mark the firm’s 25th anniversary in Sunderland.

He said: “During the last 25 years, we have grown along with our customers, such as Nissan, to a point where we now employ more than 1,100 people in the North-East, with more than 900 based in our Sunderland operations.”

Vantec, which also works with Darlington engine maker Cummins and Birtley digger manufacturer Komatsu UK, started on the warehouse last year, with building work carried out by GMI Construction.

Martin Kendall, Vantec Europe managing director, said its new site, allied to previous developments, gives scope to create hundreds of jobs.

He added: “This shows the company’s confidence in the North-East, especially the Sunderland area, and provides stability and the ability to invest in future growth.

“We will be able to create a further 120 jobs over the next couple of years due to the creation of Hillthorn, and we are still on target to create 234 jobs by 2017 following the investment in Turbine Business Park.”

Vantec’s Hillthorn expansion has been supported by Sunderland City Council and the North East Local Enterprise Partnership regeneration body.

Irene Lucas, the council’s chief executive, said: “Vantec’s decision to build its new warehouse at Hillthorn and become the first company on the site is a significant statement of confidence in the city.

“It echoes the huge commitment and confidence shown by the Japanese parent company in Sunderland and the city’s ability to deliver growth and jobs.”

Vantec Europe is wholly-owned by Hitachi Transport System of Japan.