A leading technology company based at one of the North East's foremost science parks has confirmed a substantial growth plan.

SEEDS, a specialist in engineered graphene technologies, is set to move into a new dedicated facility at NETPark as part of the site's £100 million expansion. The new unit will enable the business to transition from research and development to commercial production, positioning it to supply advanced graphene systems to major international manufacturers in aerospace, energy, semiconductors and automotive.

NETPark's enlargement has created more than 285,000 square feet of flexible, high-specification laboratory and advanced manufacturing space, underpinning the growth of industry-leading science and technology firms such as SEEDS.

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With the expanded site now fully operational, it is expected to generate 1,250 skilled on-site jobs and contribute £625 million to the local economy over the next decade.

Cllr Joe Quinn, Cabinet member for planning, investment and assets, said: "SEEDS' expansion at NETPark reflects the critical role County Durham plays in the UK's advanced manufacturing landscape. We have outstanding, state‑of‑the‑art space for laboratories and manufacturing facilities, ready now and unique in the North East.

"We are delighted to support SEEDS' growth and would urge any expanding business looking for purpose‑built, modern facilities to come and see the exceptional offer we have here at NETPark."

SEEDS' progress highlights the strength of NETPark's innovation ecosystem. Working with the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), Durham University and Business Durham, the company has turned groundbreaking research into a commercially scalable process.

CPI has been a key partner, helping to test and refine SEEDS’ concepts and providing the support required to move from early-stage research to practical, scalable production.

A partnership with Mitsui, formally signed in November, is also accelerating SEEDS’ commercial reach by enabling introductions to major microelectronics manufacturers and fast‑tracking access to global markets.