HOPES were rising today that another Far Eastern industrial giant could be poised to move on to Bolton's prestigious Middlebrook site. Japanese firm Hitachi has already given a massive boost to the scheme - alongside the Wanderers' new Reebok stadium - by announcing that it is moving in. And today Dr Eugene Chien, head of government affairs in the world's fastest growing industrial nation Taiwan, was leading a high-powered delegation to the 10 acre site.

Electronics giant Hitachi announced only last month that it will be building a huge factory at the Horwich site and creating about 100 jobs.

The Taiwanese delegation was calling at Middlebrook for a tour after attending the official opening of a Taiwan-owned NIS factory in Chorley.

Regional development organisation, INWARD, were showing the VIP guests around Middlebrook.

A spokesman for INWARD said: "We will be selling the whole of the region. We are quite optimistic that they will invest in the North-west."

Hitachi will channel £8m into Bolton with their new plant, which will make components to improve exhaust emissions.

The effect on spin-off business among the motor trade is expected to bring in further cash for Bolton businesses.

Today's visit is the second tour of the North-west by the delegation, hinting that the area could be a prime spot for investment.

Further visits to British Aerospace at Woodford and Manchester University are planned for tomorrow.

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