A MAJOR conference will be held in Bolton to celebrate a new industrial revolution that has been quietly transforming North-west industry over the past decade.

More than 500 manufacturers from across the region will be at the conference, In Pursuit of Manufacturing Excellence, to share the secrets of success from those who have been leading the way.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber and Nick Brayshaw, chairman of the CBIs Manufacturing Council, will be among the speakers as well as top leaders from companies including BAE Systems, Siemens and Coca-Cola.

The conference is being held by the Manufacturing Advisory Service North West (MAS NW) and supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

It will be held at the Reebok Stadium on Tuesday June 28, and will trumpet strides made to revolutionise manufacturing processes and productivity in the North West.

Advances have helped the region to achieve an annual manufacturing turnover of £58.6 billion.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the North-west Regional Development Agency, said: "The North West is one of the most productive manufacturing regions in England.

"This conference is an opportunity to celebrate success, salute the manufacturing excellence in the region, and to face the challenges and opportunities for the future.

"However, it is vital that we continue to build upon our strong position by working alongside partners like the Manufacturing Institute.

"The NWDA will strive to drive up the productivity and competitiveness of our regions manufacturers."

Companies that wish to attend should contact James Aitken on 0161 874 3211 or email jamesa@manufacturinginstitute.co.uk