A FIBREGLASS manufacturer is investing £250,000 in a joint project that could help it expand into overseas markets.

Lamplas, of Consett, County Durham employs 100 staff at three factories making fibreglass panels for caravan and motor home builders in the UK.

In a joint venture with Clearex Plastics, of Fencehouses, near Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, Lamplas has bought and installed a computer controlled vacuum forming machine at Clearex.

The machinery will help the partnership to offer clients a one-stop-shop for plastic components.

Clearex employs 40 staff and its clients include Nissan, and British Aeropsace.

Lamplas sales director Jim D'Eath said: "Investing in this project has enabled the company to move into a new area and have the instant advantage of Clearex's expertise in the field.

"Without needing to work our way through a steep learning curve, we can now give our customers the choice of a very high quality fibreglass process or the speedier, cost-effective vacuum moulding process.

"This investment will enable us to diversify into other industries including bus, truck and domestic areas and look to markets abroad as the next step in our expansion.

"The two companies have known each other for years and we are confident that the project will prove to be a successful partnership."