A TECHNOLOGY firm behind equipment used to foil terror plots has helped protect the US President.

Kromek says its radiation detectors were deployed by defence chiefs during the recent Nato Security Summit.

Bosses revealed the apparatus was used in Brussels’ main airport and the European Council’s headquarters to protect Donald Trump and other country leaders.

Kromek, based at NetPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham, is known for its anti-extremist technology and previously revealed a £2.5m deal to supply parts for security systems designed to detect homemade bombs.

It has already sent thousands of radiation detectors to an agency of the US Department of Defense to help identify threats, such as ‘dirty bombs’, and earlier this year told The Northern Echo it has translated a contract pipeline worth nearly £33m into tangible agreements over the last 20 months.

Referring to its Belgian work, Dr Arnab Basu, chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be part of the security system deployed during President Trump’s visit to Brussels.

“We were pleased it was successful and that our detectors achieved the necessary high standards.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the European Commission and other law enforcement agencies to deploy our detectors to protect people and property.”

The work comes just weeks after Dr Basu told the Echo how Mr Trump’s arrival in the White House could help deliver further agreements for his company, which was founded as a two-man venture in Durham University’s physics department, owing to the President’s business background.

Dr Basu also said Kromek expects a “step change” in income growth, revealing he believes it will continue picking up new work after a strong year bolstered its international presence.

Confirming he expected an £810,000 contract renewal - to send upgraded versions of detectors to a US customer - to be followed by further lucrative agreements, Dr Basu said operators are now increasingly willing to enter into long-term relationships with the firm.

He told the Echo: “A pipeline is one thing, but the conversion into contracts is another and that has started to happen.

“We are building up a very good list of customers who are willing to commit their medium and long-term futures with us.

“Our pipeline is extremely strong and we are working hard to bring more customers to it; we expect to see more good news coming out.”

Kromek’s £810,000 contract came after the company revealed a £21m stock market drive, which Dr Basu described as the “rocket fuel” to power fresh growth and ease some customer concerns over its balance sheet.

The placing and offer also provided hope the company can record its first profit, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) expected to break even in the coming months.

As well as its radiation detectors, Kromek is also known for airport bottle scanners, which scour luggage for explosives, and medical equipment capable of helping diagnose brittle bones.