UP to 35 jobs are to be created at a worldbeating County Durham company which makes equipment to protects workers' health.
3M UK plc is transferring specialist operations from London to Newton Aycliffe.
The move means extra production at the company's base on the Heighington Lane Business Park, where it employs 350 people and pioneers the research, development and manufacture of personal respirators to guard workers from dust, fumes and gases.
It also specialises in producing chemicals for the paint and printing industries.
3M UK was the first major company to set up on the Aycliffe Industrial Estate. It is one of only 22 firms in the country to be awarded the Impact Endorsement Mark for business excellence, as part of Business in the Community's 2001 Awards for Excellence programme.
Since 1987 it has been given support and advice by the County Durham Development Company, which spearheads job-creating activities.
Globally 3M's diverse product range includes "Post-it" adhesive notes, specialist pharmaceuticals and abrasives.
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