Bradford-based industrial gaskets maker Klinger UK is to open a new projects centre in Houston, Texas – and has plans for further expansion across the Atlantic next year.

The company will invest an initial £500,000 in offices, a training unit and warehousing to provide a focal point for Klinger’s project work for on and offshore oil and gas installations across the United States and in the growing African, Australian and Far Eastern markets.

Alan Bates, Klinger UK managing director, said: “We’re appointing US sales and technical staff to run the Houston centre, with our UK-based projects team providing comprehensive product and service training and support. That partnership of established business model and service strength, with local knowledge and experience, is proving to be a strong formula for our international trade. We’re aiming to establish a similar facility in Canada in 2015.”