AN ENGINEERING business is about to expand following its acquisition by a pharmaceutical expert.

Ian Shott has bought WH Promation, in County Durham, from owners David Weir and Nigel Hall, for an undisclosed sum.

The new company, to be called Ian Shott Technology, will remain at WH Promation's site at Belmont, near Durham City.

The company will design plant and equipment for the pharmaceutical, food and biotechnology industries, specialising in clean room equipment. The company employs 35 people, but Mr Shott anticipates taking on more staff during the coming year.

The company has appointed Neil Gibbons as operations director, from engineering and construction firm Mitsui Babcock.

Mr Weir and Mr Hall will remain at Ian Shott Technology as technology director and projects director respectively.

Mr Shott, has more than 25 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, working with global market leaders, and has held senior positions with Zeneca and ICI.

His most recent role was president of Rhodia Chirex.

Mr Shott said: "The new company will continue to offer clients value engineering solutions while maintaining a high level of quality.

He added: "We are very excited about the new venture and believe that the combination of an academically grounded technology base, combined with hands-on practical engineering, will provide a very distinctive offering."