Member Article

Taskforce programme boosts Durham's manufacturing and engineering sector

The Manufacturing and Engineering Taskforce (MET), the group formed by Durham County Council and Business Durham, has developed a high growth programme to boost manufacturing in the region.

After surveying a plethora of manufacturing and engineering companies, the taskforce found that micro and small businesses needed to embrace innovation to a greater depth and to have better access to supply chains.

Now Business Durham, the economic development company for County Durham, the council and their partners, will drive forward a high growth programme to maximise the sector’s success.

Simon Goon, managing director of Business Durham, believes that the Taskforce will help to maximise opportunities for the county’s economy and capitalise on inward investment successes, such as Hitachi Rail Europe opening its £82m train building facility (pictured above).

He explained: “This October we’re celebrating manufacturing month so it’s great that we’re able to announce the next stage of this important work.

“With the manufacturing and engineering sectors playing such a major role in the county it’s essential that we work together to remove barriers, maximise opportunities and help everyone to benefit from the amazing organisations in County Durham.”

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration who was chairman of the MET, added: “The contribution the manufacturing and engineering sectors make to the County Durham economy is absolutely vital.

“By working together to provide help and support and to encourage growth in these hugely important areas we can not only help to create more jobs but hopefully attract even more investment to the county.”

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