A PLAN to increase exports leaving Teesport could create more than 100 jobs at the docks by next year.

Bosses at PD Teesport want to improve efficiency by unloading and reloading lorries within 30 minutes of arrival, and ensure ships that imports from the rest of the world do not leave with an empty cargo deck.

By next year, the firm hopes to be employing drivers, warehousemen, administrators and software installers, following a £20m investment programme.

Cranes worth £8m are to be installed this year to enable the port to handle much heavier cargo, while £12m has been spent to improve the site's infrastructure.

The docks will be strengthened, railway links will be laid and industrial units have been removed to make way for a larger storage area for containers.

PD Teesport Group's development director, Martyn Pellew, said: "We want people to know that Teesport is open for business and they should come and look at how we can improve their supply chain to the rest of the world

"We do not just want to act as a port, because we can also offer storage, loading and shipping.

"If we can lower a customer's road mileage, then we can lower their costs because road haulage will increase much more than shipping will."

Last year, Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority, part of the PD Group, announced plans for major expansion of its container-handling facilities.

The authority hopes to attract businesses to invest in the 500 acres of space it has at Teesport and encourage other companies to consider the low cost advantages of importing goods via Teesside.

The news was welcomed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council leader, Councillor David Walsh.

He said: "In a climate where we hear more about possible job cuts, it is good to see that intelligent managers can bring jobs into the area.

"The logistics and distribution area is growing in importance in our regional economy, and the room that Teesport has for expansion is a key factor in its growth.