AROUND 50 new jobs are set to be created at a metal fabrication company, after management revealed a boost in turnover.

County Durham-based HMH Group has announced an increase in turnover of about £5m, which will see a further expansion at the already thriving firm.

The company's Tanfield Lea operations, near Stanley, already employs 125 staff in traditional metalworking skills.

Now the firm, part of the Tanfield Group, has unveiled plans to create a further 50 new engineering jobs over the next 12 months.

The firm specialises in the sub-contract manufacture of sheet metalwork, and provides a complete metalworking and finishing service for bluechip customers in the defence, railway rolling stock, construction vehicles, domestic appliances and electronics industries.

Managing director Mick Wright said: "Investment in advanced laser technology and CNC metal cutting and fabrication processes gives us the capacity to meet complex fabrication and assembly requirements.

"Significant new orders have been secured and continuing investment is expected to lead to further growth, with excellent prospects for new job creation and development."

Recent and planned capital investment programmes by the rail operators in particular have increased demand for the company's fabrication and assembly services. Other significant new contracts won by HMH include the supply of domestic boiler covers for central heating installations.

As a result of the boost in contracts, the company is embarking on a new phase of expansion to increase jobs further, with opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers.

HMH already has Investors in People Status operating a successful training programme, and it plans to maintain that success by investing in its training.

It also plans to launch a modern apprentice scheme to ensure a continued supply of skilled workers for the firm