MANUFACTURERS have improved performance by £10m thanks to a team of engineering troubleshooters.

Government figures showed its Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) North East broke through the £10m barrier in the first quarter of this year.

The service, established by the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) and regional development agency One NorthEast in May 2002, aims to increase efficiency and productivity in the sector.

One NorthEast head of business productivity, Mark Rutherford, said: "These figures are proof positive of the real benefits that MAS is bringing to North-East manufacturers."

The service offers two day's free consultancy and 50 per cent funding for longer-term projects.

In the past three years, it has handled 1,892 inquiries, carried out 603 site visits and referred 178 companies for more specialised help.

Recent successes include a review of shop floor layout at Tyneside company, WD Close and Sons, which is expected to increase throughput by 25 per cent, potentially adding £1m a year to its business.

The architectural metalwork and engineering company has carried out fabrication work on The Sage Gateshead and the City of Manchester Stadium.

Works director Kelly Scott said: "We received two days' advice for free, a report and recommendations which have helped us make important savings."