THE design team at Aker Kvaerner Engineering Services is embarking on a £1m contract in Ireland.

A 22-strong team, from the company's headquarters in Stockton, is currently providing engineering and construction management services for the Lisheen Paste Backfill site in Ireland.

The company, which was responsible for the original design and construction of the 1.5 million tonne plant, is helping the LPB to deal with waste material from the mining industry.

Meanwhile AK Engineering Services is providing project engineering and technical support to plastics company GE Plastics, in the Netherlands.

Around 25 staff have transferred from GE Plastics in Antwerp to AK Engineering as a result, for the three-year duration of the contract. There is no effect on AK Engineering Services operations in Stockton.