A North-East firm's £1.2m factory expansion was officially opened by the Prime Minister on a visit to the region today.

Shower and bath firm Roman Ltd will create 52 new jobs with the extension to its premises on the Aycliffe Industrial Park, County Durham.

Tony Blair MP hailed the company's growth in a "tough" manufacturing climate when he unveiled a plaque at the Whitworth Avenue factory, in his Sedgefield constituency.

During his lunch time visit, Mr Blair was shown around the factory and introduced to workers and the management team.

The family-owned business opened in 1985 and employs a total of 125 people.

Grants were received from the Department of Trade and Industry and Durham County Council towards the new development, which will establish a more efficient flow-line production system.

It also runs a scholarship scheme with Darlington College of Technology and will take on three young people through that scheme this year.

After conducting a tour for the Prime Minister, managing director Gerry Osborne, spoke of the company's continued expansion.

He said: "This is a very special day for us. It's a great day for the company and the people who work at it."

He said the company had grown every year since 1985, and was currently doing so at a rate of 29 per cent a year.

"This is a success story for British industry and the North-East, too," he added.

Mr Osborne said one of the keys to the success was the relaxed and friendly atmosphere on the shop floor.

Mr Blair said: "I think what this company shows is that, even in quite tough times for parts of manufacturing, if you have got a good product and a skilled and creative workforce and the right dynamism to show that the sales and after-sales service is very good, then you can do well."

He added: "Because you have got so many of your customers here today, you must be doing something right to get them all to turn up and congratulate you."

Almost ten per cent of the firm's products are exported to countries as far afield as Singapore and Hong Kong.