ABERDEEN pipeline equipment supplier Online Valves hopes to increase employee numbers after winning a £10m contract in the Middle East.

The company took on the contract after securing £1m bank funding from HSBC to support growth in sales.

The three year contract is expected to help the firm to double turnover.

Owned by David Sim, Online Valves will also use the new financing to grow its UK base. The firm hopes to introduce two full time roles in Aberdeen, taking the total to nine.

Mr Sim bought Online Valves last year with backing from HSBC. He said HSBC’s support had provided the firm with the flexibility needed to secure an increased number of contracts, providing a significant boost to turnover.