A STOURPORT technical ceramics components manufacturer has clinched a multi-million pound deal that will secure the jobs of its 320 employees for the next three years.

Morgan Advanced Ceramics - MAC - based in Bewdley Road, won the contract to supply components and expertise to Grundfos, a Danish firm that makes industrial pumps.

Although the Stourport company has worked with Grundfos for 30 years, it had to win the new business against commercial competitors.

Mark Moore, general manager of MAC, welcomed the good news, saying: "This is very much about job security. We have got a number of people employed in that manufacturing area and it pretty much means that their jobs are secure for the next three years."

He added that the terms of the contract meant he could not reveal the exact value of the deal but said: "I think it's great that customers are placing orders in the West Midlands. It's very hard to be a competitive manufacturer in the UK now and shows we're doing the right things. Right now, it means that these jobs are secure."

He added: "The new agreement is excellent news for the site and shows the confidence our customers place in the company."

Morgan Advanced Ceramics' relationship with Grundfos started when it supplied a variety of shafts and bearings. Since then, the Stourport company has provided materials and engineering expertise that has had what was described as "a significant impact" on the development of new pump technology.

The Stourport firm is a subsidiary of The Morgan Crucible Company, with MAC forming part of the Morgan Technical Ceramics Group.

The group supplies a wide range of products, including ceramic components and engineered coatings from manufacturing locations in North America, Europe and Asia.

On its Stourport site, the firm makes technical ceramic components for a variety of markets.