A GLOBAL crafting supplies firm with roots in County Durham has announced plans to move its United States headquarters to larger premises.

Crafter’s Companion, based in Newton Aycliffe, is moving its stateside HQ to a bigger space in Corona, California, following a growth in US sales from $12m to an estimated $22m in the past two years.

The company’s global turnover is now approaching $40m while the new office and warehouse - at 31,000 sq ft - has been primarily driven by increased demand from key accounts including the Home Shopping Network (HSN), Notions Marketing, Amazon.com and fellow retailers such as Tuesday Morning and Hobby Lobby.

Founder Sara Davies said: “It’s fantastic to see such an increase in demand for our products in the US market.

“When we opened our office in Santa Ana, California, in 2016, I could not have envisioned this level of growth, although I always knew our products would be well received by customers in North America.

“A big part of our success in this market has been down to a great partnership with HSN.”

Founded in 2005 and with its headquarters in Newton Aycliffe, the company now employs over 150 staff and exports products to Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and North and South America.