A REFURBISHED factory has attracted two companies and the prospect of new jobs to Newton Aycliffe.

Windowman UK of Tamworth, Staffordshire, specialises in the manufacture and sale of windows, doors and conservatories.

It has recently won several major contracts in the North-East - including a five-year deal with Wear Valley District Council - and needed a base with room for expansion.

CVO Fires specialises in the assembly of contemporary fireplaces and has moved its entire operation from Richmond.

Both companies are renting two 12,345sq ft units at City & Northern's Beaumont Square development on Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate.

Brendan Fitzgerald, chief executive of Windowman UK, said the North-East held a great deal of potential for his business.

"We decided to find a facility in the region from which we can effectively serve the market," he said. "Newton Aycliffe was an obvious choice for serving the whole North-East region and the unit we have taken is ideal in terms of both location and quality."

Windowman's move has initially created ten jobs, with the potential for up to 25 more over the next few years.

CVO Fires, which has a showroom in London, was based in three buildings in Richmond and was struggling to recruit the staff needed to expand.

"The County Durham area has a great tradition of industry and there is a large pool of skilled labour to draw on here," said Jim Johnson, production director. "This is in contrast to North Yorkshire, where there is more of an agricultural economy and it's not easy to find staff."

The new facility allowed all the production and back office activities to be housed under one roof, while still allowing scope for future expansion.

CVO has 15 staff at Aycliffe but expects to create a further five this year.

Elliot Ward, managing director of City & Northern, commercial property specialists, said: "Attracting these two expanding companies to Beaumont Square has really justified our investment in converting an existing factory into these attractive, modern units.

"There are still two units of similar sizes available and we hope to announce new tenants for them in the very near future."