North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a machinery factory, known as a key plant used in the manufacturing of parts related to missile development, the North's state media said Wednesday.

The North's leader visited the Thaesong Machine Factory where he stressed the need to modernize its production for the development of the country's machine-building industry, the Korean Central News Agency report said. It did not reveal the timing of Kim's inspection.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a fresh resolution for tougher sanctions against North Korea over its latest nuclear and long-range rocket launch.

"(The leader's visit) is aimed to lay a new springboard for the development of the country's machine-building industry through modernization of the factory," the KCNA said in an English dispatch.

The inspection of the factory, known as the main outpost for missile development, indicates the North's determination to keep expanding its nuclear and missile programs, analysts said.

North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6, followed by the North's long-range rocket launch earlier this month, a move that outside experts view as a cover for a ballistic missile test. (Yonhap)