MD Kevin Beales said, "Members of the team are making so many trips to the States to visit current and prospective clients that it's reached the point where it makes more sense for us to have people based their full time.

"We've seen phenomenal growth in America over the last two years, and there doesn't seem to be any sign of it slowing down, with several new deals with American clients in the pipeline. It's definitely exciting times here at The Test Factory."

The Chicago office will be headed up by US native Abbi Rettig, who has been with The Test Factory for the last two years. Regarding the move, Abbi stated, "I am really thrilled to be heading to America with The Test Factory. The opportunity and challenge of opening our first American office is something that really excites me."

Although this is a new chapter for The Test Factory, Beales believes this is just the start, with The Test Factory also planning to open further offices in Europe and Asia over the next five years. He said, "Although we are familiar with America and have a host of clients based there, we really are just scratching the surface. The sheer number of opportunities that will be on our door step, let alone in the rest of the country, is simply staggering".

The Test Factory have been supported by Sunderland Software City, the regional initiative supporting and driving the growth of the North East software industry.

Chief Executive Officer Bernie Callaghan said, "The Test Factory's opening of their first overseas office is a clear indication of the growing international reputation of North East software and great news not just for the software industry but also the region as a whole.

"It's no surprise to see them taking this step - I lost count of the number of people in the US they impressed when they joined us in a trade mission there last year - and they are just one of an increasing number of local software companies well on their way to becoming world leaders in their field".