AN engineering group in the North-East is investing £2m in technological improvements, creating 30 jobs, and expects turnover to break through the £10m mark.

Responsive Engineering Group, based in the Team Valley, Gateshead, is investing in all four of its divisions - Streamline, Kingsway, Weldex and Pressex, which together provide specialist waterjet and laser cutting, precision engineering, welding, pressing and assembly services.

Responsive's customer list includes Airbus, BAE, Siemens and Exxon and the expansion is aimed at developing opportunities in the defence, aerospace, oil and gas and other key sectors.

Up to 30 engineering jobs will be created across the divisions, taking the total number of workers to about 120, and the anticipated growth will see company turnover top the £10m mark.

Responsive, which underwent a management buy-out last year led by managing director Peter Bernard, received funding from regional development agency One NorthEast through the Selective Finance for Investment scheme.

Mr Bernard said: "The capital investment programme has been planned since the change in ownership following the buy-out last June and will represent the biggest investment drive in the history of the company.

"The intention is to ensure that the group and its constituent companies can offer the very latest technology as part of its service to customers to develop further business opportunities in some key markets."

The first stage of the investment in new equipment is expected to take place in late summer.

Ian Williams, head of One NorthEast business investment and finance team, said: "The £225,000 grant we have offered Responsive will create 30 valuable new jobs as part of its extensive investment programme in its business."