A COMPANY specialising in manufacturing equipment for the oil and gas sector has moved its UK operation to Teesside because of the sector’s success in the area.

Ecom Instruments has relocated its UK operation from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, to the Wilton International site on Teesside to be at the heart of the region’s oil and gas, pharmaceutical and petrochemical sectors.

Ecom, which has bases in Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East, employing 250 people, manufactures a range of specialist equipment for use in hazardous areas.

Although the company will initially only employ four people in the UK office, there are plans to take on more staff in the next 12 to 18 months.

Ecom is a member of Durham City-based business development organisation for the oil, gas and energy sectors NOF Energy.

Joanne Leng, director of business development at NOF Energy, said: “It is excellent news that Ecom is moving to the North-East, which demonstrates the confidence in the energy sectors that exists in the region.”

Carl Henderson, Ecom’s Northern UK sales manager, said: “Teesside is the ideal location for our business and our development plans.”

Ecom manufactures mobile communication devices, handheld computers, measuring and calibration equipment and portable lighting which comply with Atex directives, the regulations for equipment used inside hazardous areas with potentially explosive atmospheres.