A PUMP and valve firm hopes to bolster its order book after spending £100,000 on a test centre.

Haskel says the facility will allow high-pressure analysis of components for various industry subdivisions, including the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Bosses at the Wearside-based company added the room will also improve safety across testing operations, with a control system designed to identify leaks and loose hoses.

Dave Angus, Haskel quality, health, safety and environmental manager, said: “There are many companies around the world that would benefit from this type of chamber, and we would be happy to share our expertise.

“It can be built to accommodate testing on a large scale for any piece of engineering that involves pressurised valves or pipelines, such as a car or aerospace equipment.

“We already have an excellent health and safety record, and this system further mitigates against any of the risks that come with testing from behind a screen or hood, rather than in an enclosure.”

Haskel makes pneumatic-driven pumps, gas boosters and airpressure amplifiers and lists BAE Systems among its customers.

It previously used its expertise to clean, service and maintain oxygen boosters for the Ministry of Defence, with its equipment helping Royal Navy divers sweep the UK coastline for unexploded mines.