A MANUFACTURING company in Durham has won its first order from Japan and signed up a new distributor after increasing its foothold in the Far East.

PC Henderson Limited, which specialises in the design and manufacture of sliding door hardware and already exports its goods to more than 100 countries worldwide, has turned its attention to breaking into new markets. The company employs more than 300 staff at its factory in Bowburn.

David Phillips-Baker, international sales director at PC Henderson, said he was hopeful the inroads into Japan would help expand the business further.

"In 2006-7, our focus has been to expand into certain volume markets for the first time," he said. "First was China, where we have now established our own company and sales force and Japan was our second market."

The company was helped by UK Trade and Investment's Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS).

"The OMIS service to Japan not only included the provision of first-class interpreters, but also invaluable instruction in the cultural aspects of business," said Mr Phillips-Baker.