A HYDRAULICS firm is taking on staff after expanding.

DR Hydraulics and Engineering, in Washington, Wearside, is to take on a welder, three machinists and a part-time administrator.

The company was set up in 2005 by managing director Mark Dunville and director of engineering, Dan Robson.

Regional development agency One North East has awarded a Grant for Business Investment of £22,500 to the company.

Mr Dunville said: “By expanding the company in this way and buying new machinery we will be able to take on larger pieces of work and increase our customer base.

One North East director of business and industry Ian Williams said: “I hope that this investment from One North East helps establish DR’s credentials as a genuine regional success story.”