Worcester machine tool manufacturer Yamazaki Machining UK has urged the Government to encourage engineering firms to invest more in equipment and training. The Japanese-owned private firm yesterday told Manufacturing Minister Alan Johnson that UK firms' investment in new capital equipment and skills was 'generally low' compared to their continental European counterparts. Yamazaki, which employs about 425 people in the UK, has recently pumped about pounds 10 million into an extension to its showroom and customer training facilities.

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As part of the move, it has also re-equipped its factory with advanced machine tool making equipment.

Managing director David Jack said: 'The Minister's visit was part of a process to demonstrate to manufacturers that the technology is available and the suppliers are there.

'It's a question of continuing the long-term task of encouraging UK companies to invest in equipment and appropriate training.'

Mr Johnson said: 'It's good to see at first hand the new training and manufacturing facilities at this impressive company.

'It's also good to see a manufacturer looking to the future and investing for the long term.'