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Attention: News Editors, Industrial and Business correspondents

TUC welcomes good news for west midlands manufacturing

Speaking in response to the government’s announcement of the success of the Manufacturing Advisory Service, TUC Regional Secretary Roger McKenzie said, ' The TUC welcomes government efforts to support west midlands manufacturing. Our discussions with the West Midlands Manufacturing Advisory Service have reinforced our view that following the high tech, high value route is an important element to grow our manufacturing companies.'

MAS west midlands has had dealings with over 4,200 companies since its inception and done in depth work with nearly 2,000 of those companies. The added value for those companies concerned have surpassed £7.5 millions, clearly showing that intelligent intervention with companies can bring substantial rewards.

Commenting further, Mr McKenzie said, 'High Tech manufacturing is an area where we need to improve to continue to compete internationally and to grow jobs in a vitally important area for the west midlands. The commitment shown by the government in funding MAS, via the Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands, should be welcomed as a positive response to the large numbers of jobs lost to the sector in recent years.'

Notes to Editors:

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Press release (300 words) issued 24 Mar 2005