A TYNEDALE-BASED engineering company is expanding its head office to allow it to boost its workforce after an increase in demand for its services.

Osbit is constructing a new single-storey extension within the site of its head office in Riding Mill.

The new office will house multiple project teams within Osbit’s engineering workforce, providing space for up to 50 additional staff.

The company said it was expanding its headquarters to accommodate its rapidly expanding workforce and facilitate an increase in demand for its engineering expertise in the offshore renewables and oil and gas markets.

The building project, which is due for completion in spring 2020, is being undertaken with support of a grant of £151,000 from the North East Rural Growth Network’s Rural Business Growth Fund (RBGF). Twelve new jobs will be created at Osbit as part of this development, with two new staff having already been hired.

Dr Tony Trapp MBE, executive chairman at Osbit, said: “The new space will create much needed additional capacity to support our expansion plans and project-centric working approach.

“Osbit is a unique place to work and our existing office is an important part of our company’s culture. I am delighted we are able to expand our premises and remain in this outstanding setting, with support from the North East Rural Growth Network.

“We are very proud to be headquartered, operated and owned in Northumberland and to continue the North-East of England’s legacy as a globally recognised hub for engineering excellence.”

The extension will be situated behind the existing building and will be connected via a corridor. A new courtyard will also be added, along with increased car parking spaces for staff.