Astute 2020 (www.astutewales.com), a Swansea University-led scheme designed to drive productivity and growth in the manufacturing industry by developing new sustainable technologies and higher-value competitive goods and services for the international market, is to be rolled out around Wales.

The £22.6 million project has received £8 million to extend the scheme beyond North and West Wales and the South Wales Valleys.

Johann Sienz, Astute 2020’s operations director, said: “Focused on developing and adopting future manufacturing technologies, we are looking forward to collaborating with more companies to stimulate business growth in the region.”

To date, more than 30 companies have been involved with research collaborations through Astute 2020, in sectors such as medical equipment, automotive and aerospace.