THE new campaign has been launched to highlight the region's  manufacturing and engineering expertise.

The Made in Middlesbrough campaign which was prompted by the business community, will showcase products made in the town that are being exported or distributed across the UK and around the world.

AV Dawson managing director Gary Dawson said: “There are an enormous number of Teesside businesses working with and dependent upon the manufacturing and engineering sector.

“The sector creates highly skilled and sustainable jobs and generates the cash for the public to spend on leisure and services, while encouraging inward investment and making a huge contribution to the nation’s GDP.”

The Made in Middlesbrough concept, which will run alongside the on-going lovemiddlesbrough initiative, has been inspired by efforts nationwide to dispel the myth that Great Britain no longer makes world class products.  

Six major local businesses within the sector have worked with Middlesbrough Council to develop branding for use on packaging as well as marketing and e-media.

These companies, which include AV Dawson, Ecco Finishing, Intelect UK, QA Weldtech, Lionweld Kennedy and William Lane Foundry, will initially trial the concept and other companies will be encouraged to follow suit.

Mr Dawson added: “Teesside has a rich engineering heritage, which is currently being reborn with the re-emergence of steel making.

“The traditional engineering skills which are still very much required for the buoyant oil and gas markets are also being honed to fit new opportunities in offshore renewable energy markets.”

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Middlesbrough’s very foundations are built on iron and steel making and the chemical industry.

“Manufacturing is in this area’s DNA and is a vital part of the heritage of Middlesbrough and the whole Tees area.

“The results can be seen around the world from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the new Wembley Stadium, and our brand is as strong today as it’s ever been.

“Campaigns like Made in Middlesbrough are a great way to remind the world what this area is all about and that we’re very much open for business.”