ONE of Wear Valley's longest- established employers has uprooted and moved to purpose-built premises in one of the district's prime business locations.

Innovative engineering firm MRB Schumag is a global leader in its field and could have relocated anywhere in the world.

But the company, which has been thriving in the area since the 1940s, decided to stay close to its roots and moved to South Church Enterprise Park, near Bishop Auckland.

The estate has been hailed as key to the area's economic regeneration after a loss of about 800 jobs in 2002 and early last year.

It is home to several growing enterprises and Wear Valley Business Centre and Innovation House, which offer space and start-up support to new ventures.

When bosses at MRB Schumag, which designs and supplies specialist machinery for the copper tube industry, were approached by homes developer Yuill they agreed to sell their site at Fir Tree in favour of a development on the enterprise park.

They hope the move signals the start of a prosperous era for the company which already has an annual turnover of £10m and exports 90 per cent of its produce, primarily to Asia.

Managing director Paul Storey said: "The park is a perfect location, it can only strengthen the business and gives us the potential to expand.

"Access to a good road network means it is convenient to visit suppliers anywhere in the country and we can get to Teesside or Newcastle airports quickly and easily for travel overseas, including trips to our German parent company.

"The prominence of the building is also a huge boost.

"It gives a professional impression to visitors and clients and we've already had people asking about jobs because we now look like the successful business we are."

The £600,000 investment, including council and regeneration grants, also benefits the firm's 27 employees as they are closer to town centre facilities, have a modern working environment and access to a fitness suite onsite.

Mr Storey said: "Our old premises was a former school which had been extended and altered and though we were happy there everything about this new site is positive."