THE £200m chemical plant being built by Huntsman in Teesside will act as a "magnet" for further investment in the region, the man charged with overseeing the business said last night.

Chemicals group Huntsman has appointed Mahomed Maiter as vice-president of Huntsman European Polymers.

He will oversee the completion of the plant in Wilton and the establishment of Huntsman's European Polymers business.

Yesterday, he said the plant "will both underpin Huntsman's existing operations in the North-East and hopefully will act as a magnet for possible further future investment into the region by other potential developers."

Mr Maiter will establish the commercial operation and supply chain for polyethylene, and the development of sales and marketing plans.

South African born Mr Maiter, 44, was previously vice-president of the commercial department of the Huntsman Tioxide business in Billingham. He said: "I have lived and worked in the Teesside area for just over ten years and I am proud to be associated with a project that will go a long way towards providing a sustainable future for the chemical industry in the North-East."