Manufacturing group Turbosmart has opened a new facility in Birmingham.

The Australian company, which makes high-performance turbo management and boost control accessories, has been exporting to the UK for many years and is now targeting expansion here and in Europe and the Middle East.

It has opened a full-time warehousing, sales, marketing and local research and development facility in Aston.

Chris Milne, newly appointed general manager of Turbosmart UK, was the firm's export manager prior to this new role.

He said: "The UK region represents a massive opportunity for us moving forward.

"Opening our own facility here is a truly exciting project, as it allows us access to the local market and vehicles so we can continue to adapt ourselves, and our technology to best support the UK and Europe.

"We're bringing a full research and development programme with us, and will be looking for the right people to help us build on our existing relationships with the local distributors and sponsored drivers we've been working with for the past decade."

The company established its first base in Sydney in 1997 and launched Turbosmart USA in 2007 in California and its products are prevalent in the motorsport industry.

Accountancy firm Smith Cooper supported the business with the launch of its UK operation, helping the business establish its banking facilities, corporate finance solutions and tax requirements.

Tax partner Jeremy Cope said: "This move presents a fantastic opportunity for Turbosmart to capitalise on the huge demand in the UK market for its high-quality products.

"We're passionate about using our local knowledge and experience to help international businesses like Turbosmart make their mark in Birmingham, and we look forward with working with the management team moving forward."

The Turbosmart factory will open on August 24.