AN energy sector protection firm is working with an engineering services provider to improve operations.

Mech-Tool Engineering has revealed a partnership agreement with Nortech Group.

Bosses say the tie-up will strengthen Mech-Tool’s project-based engineering design expertise and build on an existing relationship between the pair, which has included projects in the UK and Middle East.

Anthony Jones, newlyinstalled managing director at Darlington-headquartered Mech-Tool, which is known for supplying fire and blast walls for use on offshore energy platforms, said: “This will ensure the most efficient and effective project delivery that meets the high standards and requirements of our global customer base.”

Bryan Bunn, managing director at Nortech, which is headquartered at Wynyard, near Billingham, added: “We have a strong understanding of Mech-Tool’s operations and values.”

Mech-Tool has manufacturing bases in Darlington and Middlesbrough, as well as a site in South Korea, and previously secured a £37m contract to design and make units for a Kazakhstan oil field development.