A world-leading electronics company has announced a major expansion that will lead to the creation of a large number of high-tech jobs in the North East.
II-VI Compound Semiconductors, based at Newton Aycliffe, manufactures electronics and optoelectronics for high-technology applications in the aerospace and defence industry.
The company, which has its headquarters in Pennsylvania, is investing in its III-V compound semiconductor technology platform in the UK to sustain its market leadership and long-term growth.
As a result, it is expanding its team on Aycliffe Business Park by recruiting materials scientists, process engineers, device engineers, manufacturing technicians and operators.
The 310,000 square feet fabrication plant at Aycliffe features advanced manufacturing and development facilities. 
Jason McMonagle, Senior Director of Operations at II-VI, said: “This expansion significantly increases our manufacturing capacity and represents a real vote of confidence in the Aycliffe site.
“All as we look to advance the state-of-the-art, next-generation radio frequency and optoelectronic device technology.”
The expansion has been welcomed by Business Durham, the economic development arm of Durham County Council.
Managing Director Sarah Slaven said: “This  is really exciting news and illustrates the faith that a true global leader has in the skills and facilities available in County Durham.
“We are delighted that II-VI has chosen to bring these very high-quality jobs to Durham. We look forward to working with the company as it continues to grow and makes an even bigger global impact with its products.”
II-VI has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service and distribution facilities worldwide and the team at Aycliffe has a wealth of experience in compound semiconductor technology, design and manufacture.
II-VI’s existing  County Durham site was acquired in 2017 as part of the company’s long-term strategy to scale up its compound semiconductor technology platforms and global manufacturing operations to serve rapidly growing markets created by the convergence of communications, computing and sensing.