Arup gets the go ahead to begin work on the Wales Advanced Manufacturing Institute

7 Sep 2017 11:06 AM

Economy Secretary Ken Skates has announced the appointment of Arup to lead on the development of a full design specification for the new Advanced Manufacturing Research Institute (AMRI) in the Deeside Enterprise Zone.

Arup will work with a range of key strategic partners on behalf of Welsh Government, working towards breaking ground early in 2018.The AMRI projects embraces and builds on the proposal by the Deeside Enterprise Zone Board for a dual site facility that delivers light engineering, training and research collaboration whilst the Broughton site, specifically will focus on high tech and innovative support to larger scale ‘advanced technology’ manufacturing. 

The underpinning principals for the dual centre AMRI will be to encourage collaboration between Anchor and Regionally Important Companies, SMEs and FE/HE partners, so they can develop new manufacturing innovation, systems, process and capability to enhance the quality and productivity of Welsh businesses across a wide range of sectors

Economy Secretary, Ken Skates, yesterday said:

“Today’s announcement follows on from my commitment, which I made back in November 2016, where I announced ambitious plans for development of advanced manufacturing research institute in Deeside and pledged £20m following advice from the Deeside Enterprise Zone Board.

“I look forward to seeing the final specification that Arup and partners, along with officials from the Welsh Government, will come up with.”

Paul Webber, Arup Wales leader:

“We are proud to be working with the Welsh Government to deliver this project. We are experienced in developing world-class research facilities and we will be drawing on expertise from across Arup. 

“This facility will give a real boost to Wales, helping to develop skills and capabilities and support growth in the advanced manufacturing sector.”   

Arup is providing multidisciplinary services including project management, design and engineering, planning and specialist expertise. The new institute will bring a thriving competitive industry base which in turn will act as a catalyst for growth and jobs across the supply chain in Deeside, North and Mid Wales, the Northern Powerhouse and further afield.