Brilliant manufacturers in the Black Country have come in for praise in the House of Commons.

Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East Pat McFadden used his maiden speech to celebrate the innovative and modernising success of businesses in the area.

He hailed the world class operations that remaining in Bilston and neighbouring districts and used Mueller Europe as an example of what can be done.

Mr McFadden told the Commons: "There are still a number of world class manufacturers in Bilston and the surrounding area. Companies such as Mueller Europe which I visited last week are investing in both modernising their operations and training a first class workforce."

Pat Donovan, Mueller Europe's managing director, said the company was helping to address the skills shortage in the area by introducing a new multi-skilled apprenticeship scheme, its first for 16 years.

Since its introduction, the company has successfully taken on five apprentices, including three engineers, one in IT and one apprentice in its planning department.

The scheme, aimed at 16-19 year olds, takes four years to complete with apprentices working towards a NVQ Level 3 qualification.

Mueller invited Mr McFadden on a tour around the Bilston factory to show off the latest stage in the company's £40 million plant modernisation programme.