by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A 25-year old manufacturer is boosting production and jobs to meet rising overseas demand.

Kentec, which makes fire detection and alarm control panels, has invested in a £500,000 electronics production facility that was officially opened yesterday by Dartford MP Gareth Johnson.

The firm, based at Questor Business Park, Dartford, needs extra capacity to meet rising demand from the United States, the Middle and Far East.

It is also hoping to step up supply to mainland Europe. Overseas sales make up more than 40 per cent of total sales of around £10m.

The firm employs 120 people, already well up on two years ago.

Robert Jefferys, technical director, said: "If we get more work, we will no doubt need new people.

"This investment should result in a significant leap forward for us and could well mean some more jobs in the future."

The firm, which is celebrating its silver anniversary, is the UK's largest manufacturer of fire control panels and possibly in Europe.

It expects further sales and possible new jobs from a new hi-tech product being launched in May.