NEARLY 50 jobs have been safeguarded and another 25 created at a steel manufacturing company.
Increased demand for the products manufactured at Metallink Fluid Power Systems, in Crook, County Durham, has led to the expansion.
The company specialises in the manufacture of rigid steel tubes used to make agricultural equipment.
It is extending its premises and expanding with the help of a £175,000 grant from regional development agency One NorthEast.
Machinery and equipment will be installed to increase production.
Alan Clarke, chief executive of One NorthEast, said: "The approval of the grant will help Metallink to expand and meet the increasing demands of its market.
"We are pleased to be able to assist with this important expansion that can now take place at its North-East base."
Metallink established its base in Crook in 1998 following requests from customers.
It employs 49 staff, but that will increase to 74 following the expansion.
The company is part of the Borghi Group, which employs 500 people across Europe.
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