A NORTH Yorkshire robotics company has been bought out by a rival North-East firm as it looks to expand into the growing nuclear market.

Hallin Robotics Ltd (HRL), in Malton, North Yorkshire has been bought by SMD, of Wallsend, North Tyneside, for an undisclosed sum.

SMD is a world leader in subsea robotic devices, primarily for the oil and gas sector.

HRL works in similar markets, but has already established a foothold in developing remote-controlled equipment for the nuclear decommissioning market.

It is estimated that the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority will spend about £500m decommissioning civil nuclear sites, such as Sellafield, in the UK over the next few years.

The Government also announced last year that ten sites, including Hartlepool, were in the first phase of nuclear new builds.

HRL, which has a facility in Seascale, Cumbria, close to the Sellafield plant, will operate as SMD Robotics.

SMD chief executive Andrew Hodgson said: “The subsea market has led the way in developing remote solutions that reduce the risk in hazardous operations, while increasing efficiency.

“We believe that the nuclear decommissioning market is beginning to recognise the benefit of high-quality engineered solutions, and with the demand in the decommissioning sector significantly growing we hope to achieve a leadership position in this market.”

“I am delighted to have gained a high-quality, experienced team who understand the sector requirements well.

“SMD is experiencing significant growth across all markets, and we look forward to growing the team at SMD Robotics to support our expanding business.”

Joanne Leng, director of business development at Durham City-based NOF Energy, which provides business support for the energy sector, said: “There is a growing synergy between suppliers to the oil and gas and nuclear sectors and this acquisition further enhances SMD’s position in the supply chain.”

The Malton firm was previously a subsiduary of Hallin Marine Subsea International.

SMD, which employs about 160 people, is currently on a recruitment drive and expects to to increase the workforce of HRL in due course.