AN engineering firm, which makes high-performance motors and generators for projects across the world, hopes to use next year's Brazilian football World Cup to increase business after securing a £1m investment to strengthen its continuing growth and create new North-East jobs.

Turbo Power Systems, in Gateshead, has secured £1.1m funding from the Government's Regional Growth Fund (RGF) to push forward an £8m drive, that will include 150 new posts on research and development projects until 2016.

The firm designs and manufactures power electronic systems for the energy, transport and defence markets, including high-speed motors for air conditioning and gas blowers and battery chargers, which are used by firms in countries such as China and Malaysia.

The company, which is majority owned by Brazilian-based, Vale Solutions, was helped by the UK Trade and Investment body (UKTI), to access Government funding, and says it wants to target the showpiece football event and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

Charles Rendell, Turbo Power Systems' chief finance officer, said: “The investment means more local job opportunities for local people with the skills, drive and ambition.

“Brazil is most definitely investing in infrastructure, and as the country prepares to host the World Cup, the next Olympics and other major sporting events, we should be looking at opportunities there.”

The RGF cash is another boost for the firm, after it revealed orders had risen to £4.7m in the first quarter of the year.

Andrew Elwick, UKTI’s investment services team senior account manager for advanced engineering, said: “With strong expansions plans, Turbo Power Systems is perfectly positioned to win more business and create more highly-skilled jobs and supply chain opportunities.”