ELECTRICAL components manufacturer Mechetronics is bringing its Far East connections back home to offer international opportunities to overseas students training in the region.

The Bishop Auckland company is working with partner Freewood Industries, which has operations in Zhuhai, China, and Hong Kong.

Mechetronics recently held an event for Chinese students in the final year of their MBA studies at Durham University to promote links with China, and identify future workers.

Mitchell Wolfe, managing director of Mechetronics, said: "Our strategic alliance with Freewood is extremely important to us, and we want to explore the possibilities of getting some of the Chinese students involved in a year-long project.

"They would work with us for six months, and then represent Mechetronics with our strategic partners."

He added: "We believe this will help us to bridge some of the cultural, language and system-type challenges we are working hard to overcome."

Mechetronics, established 80 years ago, provides electrical components (solenoids) to companies across the world.

Its products are used in vending machines, lorry air-brake systems and bank cashpoint machines.

Mr Wolfe, company secretary Dianne Sharp and technical director Jim Summerbell, hosted a reception at Durham University's Business School, where they gave a presentation on Mechetronics to students.

Mr Wolfe said: "These are immensely valuable students with considerable experience of the business world, and Mechetronics is keen to encourage them to build links with our company.

"We are an innovative firm, leading the world in solenoid design and production, and we feel this move to cement our links with the Far East will be highly productive for students and for the future of our company.