SPECIALIST engineers William Cook Defence has become the latest firm in the region to take drastic steps to battle soaring energy prices.

The Stanhope, County Durham-based company, which employs 250 staff, has switched production from day to night time so it can save energy.

The move follows steps taken by the likes of Nissan, in Sunderland, and Terra Nitrogen, in Billingham, Teesside, to overcome drastic rises in gas and electricity bills.

William Cook, which makes tank tracks, has adjusted its shift patterns so that some employees work through the night, when the plant is cheaper to run.

Alan Hall, of the manufacturers' organisation EEF Northern, said the change to night time production could be one mirrored by other firms in the North-East.

"I think what we will find is that companies will start taking steps and measures to contain energy costs, if they haven't already," he said.

"Manufacturers cannot avoid high energy use and so they will have to try to become more efficient and cost effective. What we are seeing with the likes of William Cook is increasingly ingenious ways to work round the rising price of energy.

"I'm sure other companies will following in William Cook's footsteps. I know that the number one issue on the minds of company managing directors is that of energy.

"Of course, some companies may look to redesign products or source them from overseas, where they are cheaper. That could affect jobs."

The extent of the problem was highlighted last year when car manufacturer Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK implemented a No Energy weekend on one weekend in four to save on fuel bills.

The company's combined gas and electricity bill for 2004 was £7m. It predicts this will rise to £14m this year.

Before Christmas, Terra Nitrogen suspended production of ammonia at its Billingham, plant due to energy costs, and said it would not be producing again until gas costs fell.