AN engineering company, which launched a £1.5m expansion, is hoping to secure new business in the US.

Electrical mechanical engineering firm Houghton International, based in Newcastle, specialises in making high voltage coils, serving the rail, power, industrial, oil and gas, mining and marine industries.

Last year, the firm picked up inquiries worth about £1.5m from a US conference in Nashville, and chief executive Michael Mitten said it was hoping for similar success in a show, in Denver, in July.

He said: “Our strategy to develop international markets is resulting in increasing demand from a number of key markets including North and South America, and going to the conference last year saw a record number of orders.

“We are looking forward to meeting both existing and potential customers at this year’s Convention and the favourable exchange rate for our international customers will enable us to provide even better value for money.”