AN innovative new packaging material could lead to the creation of dozens of jobs in County Durham.

Packaging group Ivex is planning to create about 45 jobs at a new manufacturing facility at South Church Enterprise Park, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

The project involves the production of a new, innovative packaging product, details of which will be released once patents and licenses have been obtained.

Ivex, which already has a plant in Sedgefield trading as Kama Europe, considered locations outside of UK before deciding on Bishop Auckland.

The company expects to invest about £750,000 over the next three years as it creates the jobs and prepares for full production.

Howard Brennan, vice-president and general manager of Ivex, said: "Key factors that influenced our decision were the availability of suitable, cost effective properties in the region, and the quality of prospective employees in the North-East."

The site of the new project was strongly influenced by the close partnership work of One NorthEast and regional partner, County Durham Development Company (CDDC), which first received the enquiry from the Sedgefield plant.

George Cowcher, acting director of operations (Business) at One NorthEast said: "This is very good news. The fact that a company already in the region is willing to re-invest in the North-East is a sign of the capability we have for supporting investment and the confidence that companies have in the future of the region."

Alec Manchester, UK manufacturing manager of Ivex Packaging, said: "The next stage now is to bring another shift into operation, effectively doubling our workforce from eight to 16. Possibilities exist for further expansion beyond that as well."

Ivex Packaging Corporation designs and manufacturers a broad range of products for food packaging applications including plastic containers for prepared foods, produce and baked goods and speciality paper products such as fluted baking cups and liners for other goods.