A FIRM which specialises in building cutting edge prototypes for Formula 1, aviation and the nuclear industry is planning to move to an expanded factory.

Darlington’s Paragon Rapid Technologies has invested more than £1.5m over the past 18 months, resulting in a partnership with Silicon Valley based 3D printing expert Carbon.

The company has attracted some of the UK’s leading manufacturers, with Paragon regularly building prototypes for the likes of Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, National Cash Registers, Tata, Black & Decker and JCB.

Next year, Paragon aims to move into a purpose-built facility, currently under construction, and plans to increase capacity to physically manufacture finished products to meet demand.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who visited the firm last week, said: “What another fantastic example of advanced and process technologies in the Tees Valley being market leaders, helping to put this region on the map.

“It was great to hear that the team’s hard work and expertise has paid off, with exciting plans for growth. I look forward to hearing about their future."