A FAMILY-run Darlington business is ready to take a step forward with the help of a £70,000 Department of Trade and Industry enterprise grant.

Sub-contract engineering company Malcolm Engineering (MEC), on the McMullen Road Industrial Estate, Darlington, was formed in 1968 by J Vernon Malcolm Senior.

The second and third generations of the Malcolm family are now at the helm, however, and are ready to push forward thanks to the cash injection.

MEC is managed by brothers Chris and Douglas Malcolm, joint managing directors, and Debbie Malcolm, commercial director, supported by a highly skilled management team including Jonathan Malcolm, information technology manager, and Darren Dargue, production director.

MEC is committed to growing the business through investment in the latest technological advances.

Many of the company's 50- strong team have given up to 20 years of valuable service.

In line with its innovative approach, MEC plans to invest the money in a new piece of equipment and associated staff training.

The computer numerically controlled (CNC) wire bending machine will hopefully put Malcolm Engineering ahead of its competitors in terms of the variety of services it is able to provide.

It is expected that MEC will have to recruit extra staff to operate the machine.

The 50-member workforce, which manufactures machined and pressed metal components in high volumes, carries out a wide variety of engineering services tailored to particular production requirements.

Patricia Wilson, business adviser at Business Link's Tees Valley operation, has worked with the company since last September, offering general business advice, and providing support in putting together the DTI grant application.