ONE of the companies named by the Amicus union in an attack on manufacturing job losses in the region has reaffirmed its commitment to the North-East.

Microswitch maker Saia-Burgess, in Gateshead, was among the companies listed by union Amicus on Wednesday as it highlighted 1,500 manufacturing job losses in the region.

It followed announcements of site closures by LG Philips, in Durham, and banking group Abbey, in Gateshead, plus job losses at two companies in Northumberland.

Last night, Saia-Burgess said it was making a substantial investment in its Team Valley plant and was there to stay.

Managing director David Norman said: "This is a manufacturing operation that is committed to the North-East. All of our know-how is here."

Amicus said on Wednesday that Saia was laying 80 workers off. But Mr Norman said the figure would probably be closer to 40.

In the past three years, the plant has increased its workforce from 280 to 350.

It is also investing what Mr Norman said was a substantial amount in plant machinery for manufacturing metal parts.

He said market conditions were tough due to more companies switching production to low-wage countries.

"We have a product range that meets international standards," said Mr Norman.

"But the downside is, we have intense global competition and have to meet international prices. However, we believe Gateshead is sustainable over the long-term."