CRANE company RS Industrial Services has invested £250,000 in a training division.

The division of the company, which was founded as RS Cranes in 2002, is the latest in a series of improvements since its move to a four-acre site at Haverton Hill, Billingham, Teesside.

The training centre includes a 10,000sq ft workshop and two classrooms, where employees can work towards accredited training qualifications, and is also available for hire.

Two months ago, the company invested £500,000 to help expand its range of services to include a hire division. Nine staff were also appointed to take the staff total to 23. More recruitment could follow.

The company's annual turn-over is about £1m.

RS director Mike Riley said there had been a high demand for training provision.

He said: "With the development of the new premises, we have been able to accommodate this demand, and have expanded the training on offer.

"The business is continually growing which we believe is due to providing good customer service. By introducing the new divisions we are now able to accommodate everything our customers require under one roof."