A NEWCASTLE-BASED engineering company is celebrating securing a record-breaking level of inquiries at trade shows in the United States.

Electro-mechanical engineering specialist Houghton International’s attendance at the 2012 EASA Convention in Nashville and Hydrovision, the global trade event for the hydro sector, resulted in a record £1.5m of inquiries for its range of high-voltage coils.

Chief executive officer Michael Mitten said the event at the Kentucky International Convention Center was a key part of the Walker firm’s export strategy.

“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,” he said.

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