Flintshire planners have approved plans for a multi-million-pound Advanced Manufacturing and Research Institute (AMRI) in the grounds of Airbus at Broughton.

Work to appoint a contractor is already under way, and construction of the building is expected to begin shortly. It is predicted that the AMRI programme, which will be geared to increasing Wales’s productivity, commercialisation, innovation and skills development, could increase Welsh GVA by as much as £4 billion over 20 years.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The Institute will have a strong focus on advanced-manufacturing sectors — including aerospace, automotive, nuclear and food — and will deliver game-changing support to key manufacturing companies, as well as multi-sector supply-chain companies and the broader SMEs economy.

"The AMRI is expected to drive a thriving competitive industry base, which in turn will act as a catalyst for growth and jobs across the supply chain in Deeside, North Wales, the Northern Powerhouse and further afield.”

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “In order to compete globally, Wales must remain competitive. As set out in our Economic Action Plan, this means adapting to modern techniques and understanding the potential opportunities offered by collaboration and changes in the economy, such as the fourth industrial revolution.

“The new institute will have these aims at its very heart. I am genuinely excited by the impact it could have on our economy and look forward to work progressing well — and to the institute opening in summer 2019.”

Airbus has been confirmed as the first member to access the Broughton site. Airbus vice-president Paul McKinlay said: “The approval is fantastic news, not only for Airbus and aerospace but also for other industries, including automotive.

“The Institute will give a huge boost to the competitiveness of the advanced-manufacturing supply chain in Wales, and I am delighted that Airbus is part of this exciting journey from the very start.

“I’m looking forward to seeing new technologies and techniques being developed under the AMRI roof — and the major benefits they will bring.”

The Institute (first announced by Mr Skates in 2016) will ensure that Deeside and North Wales “remains a community at the forefront of aerospace development”.

The University of Sheffield AMRC has worked with Deeside Enterprise Zone, Swansea University and Coleg Cambria to develop the new Institute — in conjunction with Airbus and other companies.