A FAMILY-RUN electrical engineer aims to create jobs by switching to new markets after a period of sustained growth.

Bosses at Nala Engineers say enduring demand leaves the firm well placed to extend its presence into new sectors.

The business, based in Seaham, east Durham, is known for working with operators such as Aldi, Matalan and Caterpillar, which makes heavy-duty trucks at a plant in Peterlee, also east Durham.

However, director Nicola Duke said the firm, which was previously based in Houghton-le-Spring and is experienced in LED light fitting and small power and fire alarm installations, is ready to take a further step forward.

Ms Duke, whose parents David and Pat Pollard founded the company in 1979, said it was time to go beyond its commercial, industrial and retail sector mainstays, revealing she expects to add to its 29-strong workforce.

“Last year was extremely busy for us and we experienced growth over and above our projections,” said Ms Duke.

“Some of the sectors we’re currently working in have started to become saturated and we need to look at ways to strengthen our existing client base before planning further growth in 2018.

“Our team has grown steadily over the years as our portfolio of clients has expanded.

“Moving to Seaham has put us in a stronger position to continue with that growth.

“However, for all 2017 is about reviewing our objectives and identifying potential sectors to target next year, we are confident 2018 will bring further success in terms of contract wins and workforce expansion.”

Ms Duke added the electrical contracting firm is presently completing fit-outs for a number of local projects, including a new Aldi store in Gateshead, while it was involved in LED lighting and placement projects at schools in Wearside.

It has also completed new store fit-out projects for Matalan and Aldi in Scotland and Manchester, respectively