Bid to make region's jobs secure.

A crucial summit which aims to safeguard 175,000 manufacturing jobs across the North East is taking place today.

A powerful new alliance of 200 leading business, trade union and public sector figures are looking to map out a brighter future for the industry.

A Regional Manufacturing Plan will be unveiled at the event at The Samsung Centre, Wynyard Park, Billingham, as well as the interim findings of a skills audit of the region's manufacturing base. At the heart of the plan is the message that the industry will continue to be a pillar of the local economy for years to come, but that to succeed, it must have the skilled employees to fill increasingly specialised posts.

One NorthEast, the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), Learning and Skills Council Tyne and Wear, CBI, TUC, North East Chamber of Commerce and Regional Centre for Manufacturing Excellence have united in an effort to raise awareness of skills issues facing the manufacturing sector. One NorthEast chairman Dr John Bridge and chief executive Alan Clarke will make opening addresses with Nick Brayshaw, chief executive of Wagon plc and chairman of the CBI Manufacturing Council, delivering the keynote speech.

Mr Clarke said: "It is crucial for the future success of our region that we continue to have a strong manufacturing base with the skilled employees able to fill the increasingly specialist job requirements of tomorrow."