INVESTMENT of £150,000 and the creation of 25 jobs are helping a North-East company celebrate its 25th anniversary.

E & F Composites, of Hartlepool, has invested substantially in new processes and machinery.

This includes a five-axis robotic cutting machine due to be delivered next month.

The firm designs and moulds bespoke composite products.

The new equipment has already helped to secure a long-term contract with an original equipment manufacturer based in the North.

It has also attracted contracts and inquiries from other similar manufacturers, which has helped to create the additional jobs.

Jim Embleton, E&F's managing director, said: "The new equipment will improve our product quality and allow us to reduce our costs.

"It also enables us to offer a rapid tooling service to our customers. We have a growth plan to double the size of the firm and we are committed to investing in the best technical equipment and expertise in order to achieve this."

Based at Graythorp Industrial Estate in Hartlepool, the company changed its name from E&F Fibreglass Products in February to reflect the services and expertise in a variety of materials that it offers to its different markets.

The equipment was bought with a grant, which Business Link's Tees Valley operation helped to arrange.