To celebrate the importance of engineering and manufacturing to the local economy Walsall Education Business Partnership organised Engineering 2000 at the prestigious New Art Gallery in Walsall. It was opened by the Major of Walsall, Councillor Brian Douglas-Maul and featured Johnny Ball, the TV personality, who gave an amusing and informative presentation on Maths and Technology.

The event attracted over 2000 people and it gave visitors, of all ages, the opportunity to take part in exciting, "hands-on" engineering activities under the guidance of engineers from local companies.

Engineering 2000 was supported by:

• South Staffordshire Water
• West Midlands Fire Service
• Transco
• Performance Through People
• Walsall College of Arts and Technology
• BT
• WISE (Women Into Science and Engineering) Vehicle Programme
• Palfrey Infant School
• Beaver Electronics
• International Motors Group

Each of the supporting organisations were presented with certificates to acknowledge their support.

South Staffordshire Water were later presented with a commemorative plaque to mark their outstanding commitment and support for Engineering 2000 which included seconding Jason Raghunanan to help organise the event.

Funding for the event came from the Single Regeneration Budget, the West Midlands Industrial Club, the Campaign to Promote Engineering and Walsall Education Business Partnership.