A FINISHINGS firm aims to nearly double its workforce in a County Durham expansion.

FM Coatings has moved into a base on Seaham Grange Industrial Estate to cater for rising demand.

Bosses say the move will help create up to 75 posts by 2020.

The business, which already employs 90 staff at a base in Boldon Colliery, South Tyneside, paints parts for car marques such as Sunderland- based Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and Ford, and has benefited from rising clamour for exterior painted components on modern vehicles.

Officials say the Seaham site, which will include a paint plant, will begin operations later this year.

Mick Ford, FM Coatings’ director, said the business, which has seen turnover triple since it was founded in 2007, needed breathing space after running out of space at Boldon.

He said: “Seaham will allow us to expand further into the exterior component market, where we have seen growth over the last 12 months.

“It will be commissioned in June with the first project starting in December.

“We expect the majority of new employees to come from the local area and look forward to recruitment starting later this year.”

The company was supported by Business Durham, Durham County Council’s business division.

Peter Rippingale, the organisation’s inward investment manager, said the firm was a great example of how the North-East is home to highcalibre operators.

He said: “FM Coatings is a classic example of a company whose skills and expertise are in high demand from some of the biggest car manufacturers in the country.

“We look forward to seeing them go from strength-tostrength in County Durham.”

Councillor Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, urged businesses to follow FM Coatings’ lead.

He added: “This county has so much to offer; from our supportive business environment through to fantastic transport links and access to graduates.

“We strongly believe Durham is a business beacon and would encourage others to consider it as a destination for their companies.”