Deeside to get new multi-million pound advanced manufacturing research institute

Economy Secretary, Ken Skates was at Airbus on Deeside today to announce plans of a £30m advanced manufacturing research institute.

The institute, which will be funded by a £20m Welsh Government grant and £10m from partners, will focus on advanced manufacturing sectors including aerospace, automotive, nuclear and food and will target collaborative R&D, advanced manufacturing techniques and production processes, training and skills needs.

The new institute will focus on advanced manufacturing sectors including aerospace, automotive, nuclear and food. It is aimed at targeting collaborative R+D, advanced manufacturing techniques and production processes, training needs and skills across industry.

Developed to support key manufacturing companies the institute will act as a catalyst for growth and jobs across Deeside, it will secure a major role for Wales in the development and design of future wing technology

[miptheme_quote author=”Economy Secretary Ken Skates” style=”boxquote text-left”]The institute will deliver game-changing support to key manufacturing companies as well as multi-sector supply chain companies and the broader SMEs economy. It is geared to increase productivity, commercialisation, innovation and skills development to ensure a thriving competitive industry base that will be a catalyst for growth and jobs across the supply chain in Deeside, North Wales, the Northern Powerhouse and further afield. [/miptheme_quote]

Airbus has confirmed it will be the first anchor tenant for the new Advanced Manufacturing & Research Institute  where it will work on “Wing of the Future” research and development project.

Airbus will work with key partner AMRC Sheffield on prototype and delivery of design, engineering and a wing demonstrator at Broughton.

Attracting this R&D project to Wales will support Broughton’s ability to secure the manufacture of these new wings in the future which will help towards safeguarding thousands of jobs up to 2030.

The new institute will operate as a single entity, split between a proposed 4,500 sq. mt. state of the art “hub” R&D facility in Broughton and a 1000 – 1,500 sq. mt. networking, training, business development & advice facility in close proximity to the Deeside Industrial Park.

Mr Skates said:

“In light of the uncertainties facing companies following the Brexit vote it is more important than ever that we support their innovation and competitiveness. The world-class facilities provided at the Institute will deliver these benefits to large and small business and offer a significant asset in terms of securing new investment.

Head of the Airbus plant in Broughton, Paul McKinlay commented:

“This new institute will allow us to develop the industrial systems and processes which allow us to become even more efficient when manufacturing future products, and stay ahead of the competition.”