New partnership aims to drive North Wales manufacturing growth
AMRC Cymru and the Wrexham Leadership Alliance have formed a new partnership to boost innovation, manufacturing and investment across North Wales.
The two organisations have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to strengthen the region’s manufacturing economy by combining world-class research and local business leadership.
The collaboration aligns with the ambitions of the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, a £160m government-backed initiative expected to attract around £1 billion of private investment and create up to 6,000 new jobs over the next decade.
Based in Broughton, AMRC Cymru is part of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) cluster. The centre connects industry, academia and government to deliver advanced research, development and innovation in sustainable manufacturing technologies, helping the UK transition toward net zero.
Andy Silcox, interim chief technology officer for AMRC, said:
“The AMRC is delighted to be entering into this strategic partnership with Wrexham Leadership Alliance. Together, this partnership is designed to be a catalyst for a resilient, inclusive and high-growth industrial ecosystem.
“Working seamlessly with the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, we will actively deploy our world-class research and technology expertise to unlock and sustain significant growth opportunities for our regional manufacturers. This will help to position the area as a key hub for advanced innovation and prosperity.”
The Wrexham Leadership Alliance, formed three years ago, brings together local businesses, community organisations and industry leaders to advocate for Wrexham’s growth and prosperity.
Craig Weeks, operations director at JCB Transmissions and founder of the Alliance, said:
“Our mission is to drive economic growth and positive change for the businesses and communities of Wrexham. This unique and collaborative project with AMRC Cymru will help us to achieve this ambition.
“It will enable us to combine the Alliance’s local business strength and community ambitions with AMRC’s expertise in world-leading innovation and engineering. I am confident that our collaborative project will accelerate growth, boost the local economy and create skilled jobs, which we recognise are key objectives of the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone.”
Caroline Platt, managing director at Platts Agriculture and chair of the Wrexham Leadership Alliance, said:
“I am delighted to be signing this strategic partnership with AMRC Cymru today in the industrial heart of Wrexham. Through this unique collaboration, supported by some of Wrexham’s most influential organisations, we will be able to improve technology, skills, and productivity in the region for the benefit of our local communities and businesses, both large and small.”
Ben Spruce, chief financial officer at Kronospan and board member of the Alliance, added:
“This agreement between Wrexham Leadership Alliance and AMRC Cymru is the start of a new and exciting chapter for skills and businesses in Wrexham and the surrounding area. Partnering with AMRC Cymru marks a huge step forward for development and innovation. It will not only ensure Wrexham businesses remain competitive in the UK and global economy, but also support job creation and prosperity for the community of Wrexham, as our local businesses succeed.”
The partnership will now focus on strengthening North Wales’ advanced manufacturing ecosystem through collaborative projects that enhance productivity, competitiveness and workforce skills.
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