Halesowen and Sandwell companies urged to bid for Olympic contracts

With the area’s expertise in manufacturing several Halesowen and Sandwell businesses are set to bid for a chance to be involved in the design, development and production of new torches for 2012.

The Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands believes local companies will have a head start when taking part in the competition due to previous manufacturing successes.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), in partnership with the Design Council, will put together an expert team to create 8000 torches that represent the very best of life in the UK and will be used as part of the summer relays in two years’ time.

Roy Pulley, Head of Innovation at MAS-WM, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Dudley to show its outstanding design and manufacturing strengths and we will be doing everything we can to support our businesses to register their interest.”

He added: “We’ve got a wealth of skills in the region and, when it comes to producing products that are unique and cutting edge, there is no one better. It’s time for our firms to come forward and be part of London 2012 and create new jobs in the process.”

Halesowen and Sandwell companies both big and small are can register their interest in bidding for Olympic contracts on the website www.competefor.com.

Roy added: “The tender site is open now and the deadline for the first stage being This Sunday, August 22. “There are few opportunities associated to the Olympic Games that are so suited to Dudley and this is one we need to take full advantage of. It’s about time we started shouting about how good we are and what we can produce.

“Playing an important part in creating these torches – an iconic symbol of the Games - will put us on the international map and will attract attention from hundreds of millions of people across the globe.”

For more information about bidding contact MAS-WM on 0845 245 0845.