North Korean leader Kim Jong-un offered field guidance to a machine-producing factory, stressing the need to produce modern machinery at full scale, the North's media said Thursday.

Kim looked around the February 11 Plant at the Ryongsong Machine Complex in the northeastern city of Hamheung where he emphasized the need for the factory to start full-fledged production of modern machines as early as possible, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

As usual, it did not specify the date of his visit.

"The plant is a model to be followed by the whole country in updating aging equipment and making an effective use of them," Kim was quoted as saying by the KCNA.

The young leader expressed conviction that the party will remain strong due to such workers at plants, it added.

He had a photo session with workers there, saying that they are making a positive contribution to the development of the North's machine-building industry. (Yonhap)