A NORTH-EAST technology company is moving into new markets after winning a £360,000 deal.

Kromek is supplying bottle scanners, which use x-ray detection to scan liquid, aerosol and gel containers for dangerous liquids, to airports in Asia.

Bosses say the order will see the Sedgefield firm’s equipment used across a number of aviation bases.

Arnab Basu, Kromek chief executive, said the contract meant a new geographical area for the company, allowing the potential for future growth.

He said: “Airport security needs to continue to develop and evolve to match increased threats posed by global terrorists, and we are proud to be at the leading edge of that market.

“Our bottle scanning technology has already been deployed in more than 25 airports across the EU and Australia, and we are pleased to be entering Asia, where we see considerable scope for growth.

“We continue to innovate in response to the market’s needs, and this contract endorses the commercial applications and superiority of our products.”

The firm also develops and makes specialist technology for the medical and nuclear markets, with its expertise in the nuclear detection field previously securing it a place on a team that won a £2.4bn US Defense Department contract to safeguard against potential terror threats.

Earlier this year, it also signed a long-term contract worth up to £95m with a manufacturer of x-ray diagnostics and analysis equipment in China.

The contract grants the manufacturer preferential rights for the supply of Kromek’s innovative cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detector.

These rights are for an existing medical diagnostic application with a large market potential and the exclusive supply agreement is conditional upon the County Durham company receiving agreed revenues.

The firm was forced to issue a profits warning in March, after being hit by delayed orders from UK and US governments, the Japanese nuclear detection products market, and large orders in the medical and security markets.

However, Dr Basu, who was made an OBE in the New Year Honours List, said its strong order book, rising revenues and efficiency savings would secure its long-term success.

He told The Northern Echo: "This business is in the best position it has ever been.

"Typically, when you announce a profits warning, you are looking at a downward trajectory, but we are looking at an upwards trajectory.

"Our (order) pipeline is very strong and we have a strong cash position."