THE North-East Process Industries Cluster (Nepic) has attracted its 300th member in only two years.

The organisation, which represents chemical and pharmaceutical companies across the region, has signed up bioethanol specialist Ensus.

Nepic chairman Bob Coxon said: "This is a significant milestone in the short history of Nepic. The number of companies attracted to participate in the cluster is undoubtedly due to the energy, enthusiasm and professionalism of the Nepic team.

"They are delivering knowledgeable insight and activities of value to businesses that are improving the bottom line of North-East businesses."

Yarm-based Ensus wants to become a leading provider of bioethanol to the European transport fuel market, and is building its first factory in Wilton, Teesside. It now joins other Nepic members, such as Croda Chemicals Europe, D1 Oils, Davy Process Technology, GlaxoSmithKline, Huntsman and the Wilton Centre.

Nepic's chief executive Dr Stan Higgins said: "The key to the success of any cluster organisation is engagement with the senior people, it's member organisations and its supply chain."