Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates has welcomed the start of construction at the Welsh Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Institute (AMRI) in Broughton.

At a turf-cutting ceremony earlier this month, he described the institute as a “game changer” that would ensure collaboration between industry, academic partners and entrepreneurs in order to drive innovation and commercialisation, up-skill the workforce and provide a catalyst for economic growth.

The Welsh government is investing £20 million in the new institute, which will have a strong focus on advanced manufacturing sectors — including aerospace, automotive, nuclear and food.

It will deliver a new level of support to key manufacturing companies, as well as multi-sector supply-chain companies and the broader economy of SMEs.

The construction of the building in Broughton, which is due to be completed next year, is the first phase of a two-site project.

The Broughton site is scheduled to open by the end of 2019. Airbus has been confirmed as the first tenant for the AMRI at Broughton, and the Welsh government is in negotiations with AMRC Sheffield to operate the institute.

Mr Skates said: “The AMRI will target commercialisation and development of world-leading skills across the manufacturing spectrum, as well as equipping the next generation of experts, innovators and leaders through training and apprenticeships to PhD level.

"This will ensure a thriving industry base that will be a catalyst for economic growth across the supply chain, increasing productivity and supporting the competitiveness of Welsh industry at home and around the world.”

Paul McKinlay, senior vice-president of Airbus, said: “We are delighted that the Welsh Government selected the Broughton site as the location for this great new facility.

“The work we conduct in AMRI will be a significant enabler for increased productivity — not only for us in Airbus but also our wider supply chain.”