ALMOST 100 jobs are to be created by two companies who are expanding in the North-East.

Siemens Business Services - which came under fire last year for planning to offshore work from Durham- is to double its 70-strong workforce, while Komatsu Reman is to create 28 jobs as it expands its premises at Birtley, Tyne and Wear.

The Siemens jobs will come at its customer centre to cope with a £2bn contract with the BBC and a £220m contract with the Vehicle Operator Services Agency.

Both are ten-year contracts, won at the end of last year, and Siemens said the jobs in Durham would be long-term.

The company came in for criticism from unions last year after it announced plans to offshore about 50 jobs from Durham to India for its National Savings and Investments contract.

Last night, Ian Tait, Siemens' operations-related services director, told The Northern Echo that while work had gone overseas, no jobs had been lost as a result.

He said: "This is excellent news for both Durham and Siemens. We chose to expand the Durham operation because of the expert labour force available locally and the fact that Siemens is dedicated to keep reinvesting in the area.

"This is a long-term investment in terms of people.

"At the moment, in terms of the contracts we have got, we've got enough people. But we are always looking for more business and we have been very pleased with the way that the workforce in Durham has performed.

"If we win more work, then we will have to take on more people there."

Siemens Business Services has contact centres throughout the country, in Blackpool, Bristol and Glasgow.

It provides IT support and help for the BBC all over the country, and provides a helpline service for BBC employees, as well as on-site support.

Meanwhile, the expansion at Komatsu Reman has been brought about thanks to a £225,000 grant from One NorthEast.

The firm's growth plans are also supported by a significant investment from Komatsu Europe.

Komatsu Reman has tripled sales and doubled its workforce since 2000. It has business across Europe, Africa and the Middle East and supplies Komatsu engines, pumps and drives to some of the largest mining and construction projects worldwide.

Bob Roe, general manager of Komatsu Reman, said: "Komatsu's decision to invest in the expansion at Birtley rather than any other European country was influenced by our workforce's approach and reputation."

Komatsu was helped by accountancy firm unw to put together its bid for cash from One NorthEast.

David Allison, director of business and industry at One NorthEast, said: "I am delighted that world-class manufacturing is forging ahead in Tyne and Wear.

"Komatsu Reman is providing industry-best quality throughout the world from its Birtley base. We're delighted they can now expand their operations to meet demand from customers worldwide."