NORTH-East firm AK Engineering Services has linked up with three partners in a deal worth £5m a year.

AK, which is based in Stockton and is part of international company Aker Kvaerner, has signed a deal with acrylics manufacturer Lucite International to provide maintenance and construction services at its Billingham, Teesside, plant.

AK already provides planning, mechanical and electrical services for projects at Lucite International's Newton Aycliffe site.

AK, Lucite and two smaller contractors have linked up to form the Concord Alliance to carry out work at the Billingham site.