GOVERNMENT ministers, MPs and development bosses joined forces today to herald the rejuvenation of the former Siemens factory on Tyneside as a "tremendous boost to the local economy".
Around 1500 new jobs are set to be created at the microchip factory which closed two years ago, under a deal partly financed with the help of a £28m Government grant.
Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers welcomed American microprocessor firm Amtel to the region saying: "I am confident that Atmel's arrival will give fresh impetus to the North East."
Mr Byers said the Siemens closure on North Tyneside, coupled with the ending of semiconductor manufacture by Fujitsu in Newton Aycliffe was one of the biggest challenges in the region's economic history.
"The Government never lost confidence that the region would remain resilient in the face of its difficulties and bounce back," he said
Dr John Bridge, chairman of regional development agency One NorthEast, hailed the tireless work of the task force who helped attract a new buyer
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article