The £20m Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru will open for business today - with it tipped as a “catalyst for growth”.
Based in Broughton it will provide businesses with a new level of research and development opportunities and support.
Airbus will be the first major tenant and will have a platform to develop its next generation wing technologies aligned to its Wing of Tomorrow programme.
The site will be officially opened today by First Minister Mark Drakeford and Economy and North Wales Minister Ken Skates.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “This is a world-class facility, which will be a key driver in bringing the latest research, technology and skills to Deeside and the wider North Wales region.
“The Deeside Enterprise Zone has a strong manufacturing base and this centre will further strengthen its position for the future, sparking innovation and productivity. It will ensure the area is at the forefront of cutting-edge skills in manufacturing.
“AMRC Cymru will be of benefit for generations to come in North Wales and is part of our aim to have a more prosperous and equal Wales.”
The advanced manufacturing research centre will enable businesses to access advanced technologies, helping them to drive improvements in productivity, performance and quality.
Most Read
Situated in the Deeside Enterprise Zone, it will focus on advanced manufacturing sectors, including aerospace, automotive, nuclear and food.
Backed by £20m from Welsh Government, and managed by the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the centre will spark economic growth by developing innovation, commercialisation and the development of a new generation of skills.
It is predicted the new centre could increase GVA to the Welsh economy by as much as £4bn over the next 20 years.
The centre will operate a 2000 square metre open access research area.
Economy and North Wales minister Ken Skates said: “AMRC Cymru is a real game-changer for the economy of North Wales. It will boost the region’s reputation for manufacturing excellence and its impact will be felt across Wales.
“Projects such as this help to drive innovation and excellence, enhancing Wales’ reputation a as place to invest and do business.
“It will play a key role in bringing academia and businesses closer together, boosting skills."
Don’t miss
Colin Sirett, University of Sheffield AMRC CEO, said: “AMRC Cymru will not only help Welsh industry to develop new capabilities that build on an already rich manufacturing heritage but it will strengthen collaboration between industry and academic partners and put Wales centre stage with a leading role in developing cutting edge research, technologies and skills that are key to boosting productivity and growing the economy.”
Professor Koen Lamberts, president and vice-chancellor at the University of Sheffield, said: “The University of Sheffield AMRC has built a truly global reputation for world-class, industry focused innovation which drives manufacturing and productivity growth and we’re delighted to be bringing our extensive expertise and experience to Wales.”
Airbus senior vice president Paul McKinlay, head of the company’s Broughton plant, said: “The facility is world-class and the perfect home for our most significant research and technology programme Wing of Tomorrow.”