AN engineering firm which plans to push turnover through the £10m mark and create jobs, has invested in the latest laser technology.

In the latest phase of a £2m investment programme, Gateshead-based Responsive Engineering has installed laser cutting equipment worth £500,000 at its Streamline precision-cutting operation.

The company, which has seen sales grow by 50 per cent to £8.25m in the past two years, wants to add another 20 jobs to the 110-strong workforce as it continues investing.

Responsive specialises in the supply of a range of sub-contract engineering services to clients including Airbus, BAE, Siemens and Exxon.

The company has extended its factory on the Team Valley to incorporate flat-bed laser cutting equipment, which will expand capacity, improve productivity and enhance the company's competitive position.

Managing director Peter Bernard said: "We have already seen fairly buoyant growth for engineering services from the oil and gas sector and we anticipate good opportunities in the process plant, off-highway vehicles and architectural sectors.

"By equipping all our engineering businesses with the most advanced technology, we are better placed than ever to meet demands. Our target is to break through the £10m sales barrier."

The investment at Streamline complements investments made or proposed at the other Responsive businesses, Kingsway, Weldex and Pressex, which provide a range of precision engineering, welding, pressing and assembly services.