AN engineering company has promised to invest £4.5m in the region, creating 20 jobs.

Precision engineering company e2A Ltd, at Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, County Durham, has been awarded a contract to build components for the Newton Aycliffe operation of Ultronics Ltd.

The Derwentside company will invest £4.5m in the latest high-speed machining centre and will create 20 jobs, boosting the existing 70-plus workforce.

The components supplied by e2A will enable Ultronics to produce electronic hydraulic control systems for the automotive industry.

e2A director Mark Hutchinson said: "Investment in people and the latest technology gives e2A a leading edge and technical ability which perfectly matches the requirements of Ultronics and provides a major opportunity for growth.