Sevcon, which manufactures motor controllers and system components for electric vehicles, has expanded its UK presence with the opening of a base in the South East as it looks to create new engineering jobs in the next 18 months.

The Nasdaq-listed company has established an office at Milton Park in Abingdon, locating itself in "a hotbed of UK motorsport and performance car talent" with Formula One heavyweights such as Renault-Lotus, Williams, Haas and Manor F1 nearby.

Sevcon, which was founded in the North East more than 50 years ago and is still headquartered in Gateshead, has so far recruited four engineers to its Milton Park base and is looking to make further additions.

President and chief executive Matt Boyle (pictured) said the new office is expected to grow to 20 staff by the end of next year. The company is also hoping to boost the size of its existing 50-strong North East engineering team by a similar number.

Boyle said: "The North East is well-known as a national centre for the automotive industry and by establishing a base in another of the UK’s leading automotive locations we can help accelerate the growth of Sevcon and support the global transition to low-carbon vehicles.

"Being in the Oxford area will help us to strengthen our existing relationships - and develop exciting new partnerships -  with some of the major players in the area's excellent automotive supply chain.

"As we continue to grow globally it is vital to tap into a market with a highly skilled and adept workforce that will help support our global growth ambitions."

The Abingdon office will be headed by Sally Asquith, who has extensive experience in the sector having previously worked for Oxfordshire-based Williams, GKN Hybrid Power. 

She added: "The Oxford area has a comprehensive supply chain of  world-class design, precision and high performance automotive engineering companies and as such it is an ideal location for technology-driven company such as Sevcon to establish a new base.

"The area is recognised for its automotive engineering talent and by establishing a base here Sevcon is making a real statement of intent."