Manufacturers in the south took a small step into the world of space at Hampshire space company Astrium.

It provided south coast firms with the opportunity to gain an insight into the space business, from earth observation satellites to military space systems.

With a turnover of around £2 billian in 2001, Astrium boasts some of the best appointed and most advanced design, manufacture and test facilities in the space industry.

During the visit, Neil Fedden, manufacturing specialist for the Manufacturing Advisory Service in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, commented on how Astrium, with 925 employees, always looked to recruit the best of the best to stay ahead of the competition.

"This was a unique opportunity for manufacturers in the area to go behind the scenes at Astrium and view the world-class facilities," he said.

"The introduction of the latest chip technologies in its new hybrid facility is a prime example of Astrium keeping one step ahead - a lead that all manufacturing companies should follow."

Dr Michael Healy, director of navigation and constellations, said Astrium had been involved in a number of different programmes throughout 2002. Their aim is to understand the world by exploring other worlds, putting space to work and addressing the challenges of space.

The event, organised by the Portsmouth & South East Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Manufacturing Advisory Service,

Bob Gumbrill chief executive of the Chamber added: "This visit demonstrates the right environment for the highest level of manufacturing."