Curtis Instruments opens 40-job Hebburn base

A US-headquartered electric vehicle technology firm has created 40 jobs in a North East expansion.

Curtis Instruments has opened a research and development hub in Hebburn, South Tyneside.

Bosses say they chose the region for its “skilled workforce, excellent transport links and proximity to five top-tier universities” – and have refused to rule out further jobs as the base expands.

Its 33,000sq ft ex-Siemens hub, named the Stuart E. Marwell Engineering Centre – in honour of the company’s president and chief executive – joins existing sites in California, New York, Switzerland and China.

Known for electronic controllers and programmers, the firm's systems are used across vehicles including excavators, farm machinery, forklifts and airport trucks.

Howard Slater, Curtis Instruments UK’s director of engineering, said: “This facility allows us to bring our team together under one roof, boosting productivity and ensuring our role in advancing the electric vehicle technologies of the future.

“The location also supports our ability to attract top talent, drawing graduates from universities like Newcastle, Durham, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside.”

Councillor Margaret Meling, cabinet member for economic growth and transport at South Tyneside Council, added: “The fact Curtis Instruments has selected South Tyneside over other locations around the world highlights the strong business environment we offer.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →