PHILIPS Components in Durham looks set to hold on to its prominent position within the colour TV tube market through the introduction of a 21in version of its Cybertube.

The 21in "real flat" Cybertube is the culmination of more than 12 months research, design and development work at the company's Durham factory and is the latest in a series of innovations which have transformed the plant's performance and prospects in recent years.

Two years ago, the factory was effectively working a four-day week and was reliant on one main product, the market for which was temperamental.

Today, the order books are full and the plant operates around the clock seven days a week to meet demand for its 17in, 21in and 25in tubes.

This looks set to continue as Durham plays its part in Philip's world-wide success - one in three tubes found in TVs and PCs are made by the company.

Philips Components product and materials manager Gerard Cantwell said: "An enormous amount of planning and hard work has been done over the past two years, but we are now really beginning to see the benefits.

"There is a real buzz about the place, because people know their effort and commitment has brought improvement and job security."

The television tubes produced at Durham require over 50 separate production processes to construct and investment in new robotics technology has helped speed up the line