WHEN water cooler manufacturer Ebac needed expert help to build the most advanced system on the planet, they looked across the road for help.

The Bishop Auckland business stands just opposite solenoid manufacturer Mechetronics.

Jim Summerbell, Mechetronics technical director, said: "Ebac have been working on a high-tech new water cooler for the global market. They needed solenoids to help with the control of the flow of water, and asked us for help."

The two groups of engineers were able to work closely together, because they just needed to pop across the road, and as a result the companies, which already had a good rapport, have grown even closer.

Mr Summerbell added: "We've certainly been able to provide them with an unsurpassed level of service that they would struggle to find at any other company in the country.

"What's particularly pleasing is that we have not only helped Ebac to enhance their global business, we have also teamed up with another North-East firm to build on the reputation of the region as a producer of high quality, technologically driven goods."

Philip Walton, technical director at Ebac, added: "Having Mechetronics just across the road was the ideal situation.

"Ebac has been responsible for designing the last generation of coolers and now, thanks to Mechetronics, we've come up with the next."