Houghton International was originally founded in 1984 in Houghton- le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, before moving to larger premises in South Shields, South Tyneside, in 1990 to accommodate an increase in both employees and orders, and moving to Walker Riverside in 1998.

Managing director Michael Mitten said: “Our strategy to develop international markets is resulting in increasing demand for our products and services from a number of key markets, including North and South America.

“Exhibiting at the major trade shows has raised our profile and awareness and enabled us to obtain valuable feedback to further develop our products and services.

“We’re passionate about investing in people in order to ensure we have the skills to grow the business. British Engines has recently launched their trainee academy and that is something we’re going to be doing in the next six to 12 months. We’re looking to hire five more apprentices in the coming months, which will bring our number of trainees up to 15.”

The firm held their second apprentice recruitment open day on July 4 aimed at recruiting a number of full-time apprentices to join the company this autumn.

It is also in discussions with Tyne North Training and Newcastle College to work towards accredited work- based learning across the company, which is part of their objective to be an employer of choice.

Over the years, the company has gained more than 400 customers and exports to over 20 countries, including Greece, Canada, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Norway and the USA.