A FAST-growing IT specialist has won a six-figure contract with the US military.

Advantex Network Solutions, based in Sunderland, has clinched a deal to supply and install dozens of new high-security wireless networks at every US military base in Europe.

The contract, for an undisclosed, six-figure sum, is one of the largest Advantex has won. The firm said it will create several engineering jobs at its headquarters on the Wessington North Industrial Estate.

The firm, which designs, installs and commissions computer and telephone local area networks, was started in 2002 by brothers Stephen and David O'Connell.

It now employs 20 people and has seen sales quadruple over the past year. This year, the company expects turnover to break the £1m mark.

Mr O'Connell said: "The contract is a massive boost for us. We are still a young company, but clearly have the ability and expertise to deliver any size of project on time, within budget and to the highest specification."

Other clients include Caterpillar Articulated Trucks, Alpha Graphics, Simpson's Malt and wood-based panels manufacturer Egger (UK) Ltd.

Advantex fought off bids from major contractors to win the business, which follows the installation of similar secure networks at six US military bases in the UK, including RAF Menwith Hill, in North Yorkshire.

The company will be sending out six two-man engineering teams over the next four months to carry out the contract installation work at 50 US army, navy and air force facilities in Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Holland, Turkey and Iceland.

The contract covers 35 sites in Germany.