Newport-based Industrial Automation & Control is to buy a manufacturing facility in the North East. This will be headed up by Martin Zellweger, who has a large amount of experience in the North East’s steel industry.

He said: “I am delighted to have been chosen to head up this drive by IAC into an area I know well. I will use the experience and expertise I have gained over the past 25 years to break new ground for this expanding, innovative and exciting systems-integrating business.” IAC Ltd, which employs 98 people, has an annual turnover of £8 million.

It has a facility in South Africa and is working with contacts in China to establish an operation in the Far East. Managing director Peter Lewis said: “We are very pleased to have been able to attract someone as experienced and able as Martin to join the business at this exciting time for IAC Ltd. We are currently investigating our options in the North East.”