Business Secretary Vince Cable pledged his support for Lancashire manufacturers at an event in Burnley and railed against negative attitudes towards the sector.
He was speaking at a manufacturing summit held at the University of Central Lancashire's Burnley campus.
He told a room full of local politicians and business leaders that manufacturing decline had led to a "negative psychology" that the UK does not produce anything, "which is completely wrong".
Cable name-checked the likes of BAE Systems, Nelson-based Kirk Environmental and AMS Neve in Burnley as shining examples of modern-day advanced manufacturers.
He also outlined measures taken by the coalition Government to boost the sector, like the regional growth fund.
Cable praised the Burnley campus, saying its vocational courses 'embodied' East Lancashire's manufacturing spirit.
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