A COUNTY Durham company has forged new contacts in the Middle East.

Perry Process Equipment Ltd, based in Newton Aycliffe, is an international process plant and equipment specialist.

It has been working with clients in the chemical, pharmaceutical, plastics and rubber, food, sugar, fishmeal and paper industries for more than 70 years.

The company was keen to reach new customers in the Middle East and enlisted the support of UK Trade and Investment to put together an action plan.

UK Trade and Investment helped the business organise and fund a trip to attend an exhibition to showcase its products and services through its Passport to Export programme.

The exhibition was a success and the company has now established a number of useful contacts in the Gulf.

The managing director, Anne Moat, said: "We have benefited in achieving sales as a direct result of the leads received through the exhibitions."

Jeff Thompson, UK Trade and Investment's international trade advisor at Business Link County Durham, said: "Perry committed significant financial and physical resources to the Middle East and has built up many new contacts, raising its profile, so it is now well-known in the area.

"I am confident the company's hard work and determination will produce rewards in the future as and when there is an upturn in the political situation in the Middle East."

Companies can find out more about the services available through UK Trade and Investment by calling the international trade hotline on 0845 0505054.