AN aerospace company is hoping a recent trade mission to France will boost business sales.

Harkers Aerospace, of Stockton, Teesside, visited Bordeaux and Toulouse on a five-day Explorer visit organised by UK Trade and Investment, the Government export body.

The company, based in Church Road, specialises in machining medium to large complex components such as undercarriage parts and engine casings for the aerospace industry.

It also machines major structural components used in the manufacture of airframes.

The Explorer mission was an opportunity for Harkers Aerospace to build on existing export markets in France, the USA and Italy.

Mike Round, business development manager for Harkers Aerospace, said: "The visit was extremely worthwhile and excellent value for money.

"UK Trade and Investment and the British Consulate General in Bordeaux organised a packed programme of meetings for me with sales leads and industry experts.

"They also provided me with an excellent insight into the French aerospace market and valuable translation and interpreting support.

"I picked up some very useful contacts and there are a number of companies in that region we could do business with."