World-class factory brings boost to North East economy
A new rope-making factory opening on Tyneside is set to bring a business and employment boost to the area.
International rope-maker Bridon believe the opening of a factory that could create the biggest rope in the world will create at least 50 jobs - as well as safeguarding a further 150 jobs at Bridon Neptune Quay's sister site on Willington Quay.
The Regional Growth Fund, which contributed over two million pounds towards the thirty million pound project, has estimated that as much as an extra £26.4 million pounds could be brought to the North East economy through private sector investment because of the new factory.
"This state-of-the-art facility will provide a welcome, long term business and employment boost to Newcastle, creating many highly-skilled jobs and encouraging the growth of industry in the North East.
Bridon Neptune Quay is the most advanced rope factory in the world, and is a clear example of the return of heavy industry to Tyneside - helping establish the area as a high-tech hub for the international offshore industries."
Tyneside industry returns with world's largest rope-making machine
The largest rope-making machine in the world will be turned on today (November 15th) in Newcastle, heralding the return of heavy industry to the region and a boost to employment.
International ropemaker company Bridon have confirmed that the Tyneside factory will produce the largest and most complex ropes in the world - with some weighing up to 650 tonnes.
The factory is being opened by the Business Minister Michael Fallon.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne MP Nick Brown will also be at today's ceremony.
The factory at Bridon Neptune Quay is already taking on orders from multinational operators.
"Companies like Bridon International are a great example of how Britain's manufacturers are leading the world.
Through Bridon's innovations, the largest, most advanced ropes ever made are being sold around the world from Britain - and helping to solve the challenges our modern offshore industries face."
Demolition of former ICI headquarters due to begin
by Rachel Bullock
Work starts to demolish the former ICI headquarters in BIllingham on Teesside today. Credit: ITV
The demolition of the former ICI headquarters in BIllingham on Teesside will begin later today. The disused site has stood empty for more than a decade and has been at the centre of a legal wrangle between its owners and Stockton Council.
The council finally won its legal bid to have the building demolished after arguing that it was dangerous and an eyesore. Work to demolish it will be launched by a local resident who will sound an airhorn.
Development Director says Alcan meetins will ensure community is 'made stronger'
We are working closely with local politicians, Northumberland County Council, the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, the Government and other interested parties to ensure we promote the site and all of its credentials to potential investors with credible and sustainable business plans.
Linked directly to the RED strategy is the legacy that Rio Tinto Alcan wants to leave behind. Our extensive legacy programme will ensure we leave the community stronger and more self-sustaining in the face of future challenges.
– John McCabe, Regional Economic Development Director
A second public meeting will be held by Rio Tinto Alcan later this morning to update the public and stakeholders after the closure of the Smelter in Lynemouth.
The local community will be given details of the latest developments on the smelter's Regional Economic Development (RED) Strategy, and ongoing legacy initiatives that have been put in place to support Lynemouth and wider South East Northumberland.
Building on the success of the public meeting we held earlier this year, we have listened to valuable feedback from our neighbours and are keen to involve key stakeholders and members of the public in our ongoing RED strategy. As part of this, we are committed to providing regular updates on future plans for the site.
– John McCabe, Regional Economic Development Director,
Young’s Seafood Limited have announced that they are closing the former Cumbrian Seafoods’ Border Laird business in Amble in Northumberland with the loss of 38 jobs.
The news comes after a third party, which had an interest in the langoustine business (now known as Ocean Pure), withdrew their offer.
