LEADING watercooler manufacturer Ebac has expanded its international operations with the opening of a showroom at its office in Amman, Jordan.

The outlet will house the full range of Ebac's products and will service the entire region, which includes the Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and the Gulf states.

Ebac won The Northern Echo's Working for a Future award at the County Durham Business Show earlier this year for its contributions to manufacturing at a time when the industry is struggling.

One in three office watercoolers in the UK are manufactured at Ebac's factory in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

The company also has a strong presence in Europe and other markets around the world, including the Far East and the US.

The company exports to more than 20 countries worldwide and its success has been achieved through its determination to develop and manufacture unique products.

Sales director Tony Hird said: "The Middle East is a fairly new market but one that is developing fast. Our current business in the region is worth about $2m (£1.25m).

"We are demonstrating our commitment to this dynamic area through the opening of our new showroom in Jordan, which will allow us to service our existing customers and build up our client base right across the region."