Billingham polymer paint manufacturers Johnson Matthey Catalysts had a stand at the Chinacoat 2004 exhibition - one of the largest paints and coatings events in the Far East.

China is one of the fastest growing markets - evolving at a yearly rate of 25 per cent. Last year, the country produced about 2.3m tons of paint.

Mark Thompson, the firm's coatings manager, said: "China is an important market for us to break into as it offers fantastic opportunities for growth.

"Our appearance at the Chinacoat 2004 exhibition was a huge success.