TWO North-East engineering companies have joined forces to collaborate on the development of products for the food and pharmaceuticals industries.

Autoveytion UK, of Sedgefield, and the Express Group, of Gateshead, have established Innoveytion to exploit opportunities in specialist markets.

The arrangements mean Autoveytion, an established manufacturer of belt conveyor systems, will link its product and market knowledge with the design and engineering expertise of the Express Group.

Already plans have been devised for a new concept in conveyors and Innoveytion has submitted a patent application for a system designed for applications where stringent hygienic conditions are essential.

A prototype of the system is being developed and the company is awaiting a response to its patent application before unveiling it to prospective customers.

Dave Ward, managing director of Autoveytion, said: "Conveyors are the biggest selling items of process plant and equipment, yet the basic technology and design has changed very little over the years.

"Our new design addresses some specific issues for food and pharmaceuticals customers and will be an engineering first with considerable potential in the marketplace."

He added: "The new hygienic system will be the first of a number of new product introductions we are planning to give Innoveytion a real presence in the market."