DERWENT Engineering has completed an order to supply 800 hydraulic cylinders for ten merchant ships being built in Korea and Japan.

The company specialises in the design and manufacture of hydraulic cylinders, particularly for marine and offshore applications, and won the contract against strong competition.

Global trade forecasts predict a significant number of merchant ships will be built in the next ten years.

Derwent Engineering, of Tanfield Lea, is positioning itself to cash in on the boom in Far-Eastern shipbuilding.

Bob Brown, managing director, said: "Our success can only be attributed to the combination of over 40 years experience in hydraulic engineering and our ability to respond rapidly to customer requirements.

"We have worked extremely hard to develop a strong reputation globally and this is now beginning to pay off."

Derwent Engineering occupies a 20,000sq ft factory, ideally located to service the North-East and its ports.

Mike Brown, commercial director said: "The combination of our design capabilities, an experienced and reliable workforce, quality workmanship and ongoing heavy investment in machinery, has enabled the company to go one step further than providing a product."