WORCESTERSHIRE manufacturing expertise will be showcased to the world this week, when local suppliers exhibit their skills and products at Midlands Manufacturing 2005.

The event, starting at the NEC on Wednesday, April 13, will be the second time Made in the West Midlands, a tie-up between Accelerate, Advantage West Midlands, MAS-WM (the DTI manufacturing advisory service) and the Technology Innovation Centre (tic), has hosted its very own zone.

More than 40 West Midlands companies are to take part in this collection of talent, including Chess Plastics from Droitwich, and Springmasters of Redditch.

The event will be seen as a good opportunity to promote the area in light of developments at Rover, and their effect on the 6,000 workers at Longbridge, and dozens of suppliers.

"We are delighted to be, once again, adding our support to Worcestershire manufacturing, whether through the automotive, aerospace or specialist engineering sectors," said Rachel Eade, Accelerate programme manager.

"The local suppliers have all taken advantage of up to £1,300 funding and now have the opportunity to sell their expertise directly to more than 100,000 potential buyers."

Made in the West Midlands will bring together Accelerate, Advantage West Midlands, MAS-WM and the tic Network under one banner, aimed at streamlining delivery and promoting the skills of manufacturers.

The distinctive branding, which has its own website, www.made inthewestmidlands.com is also to be displayed in special zones at some of the largest world manufacturing shows including Paris, Frankfurt and Detroit.

MAS-WM's chief executive David Wright added: "Visitors will be able to chat to representatives from the four support agencies about the range of grants, research opportunities, collaborations and support in key areas, such as administration, environmental legislation and sales and marketing.

"This is an excellent initiative and highlights how the West Midlands is determined to remain at the forefront of UK and world manufacturing."

According to Britain's General Union, the GMB, 53,000 people are employed in manufacturing in Worcestershire, making up 19.6 per cent of the county's total employment.