SCORES of jobs could be created after a North-East firm pioneered new technology for grinding bulk raw materials into fine powder.

International Innovative Technology (IIT), based in Gateshead, has patented the new powder milling machines which have been engineered by its design specialists in the town.

The company believes that as sales of the new milling technology grow, more than 100 jobs could be created.

It has set up a demonstration facility at its Team Valley base where companies can send samples to be milled, to prove the effectiveness of the machines.

The company said that the new technology produces milled powder which is smaller and more economical than the traditional processes and it is expected to be used by grinding mill operators worldwide, as well as other minerals’ processors, construction and waste recycling operators.

The machine has been developed in collaboration with Newcastle University’s School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials.

Juergen Maier, managing director of Siemens UK Industry Sector, which supplies the motors, drives and control technology for the new mill, officially opened IIT’s demonstration facilities.