The £20 million Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru (AMRC Cymru) officially opened for business in Broughton (at the Deeside Enterprise Zone) at the end of November.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “This world-class facility will be a key driver in bringing the latest research, technology and skills to North Wales.

"AMRC Cymru will be of benefit for generations to come and is part of our aim to have a more prosperous and equal Wales.”

The new centre (www.amrc.co.uk/facilities/amrc-cymru-wales) will enable businesses to access advanced technologies, helping them to drive improvements in productivity, performance and quality.

It will focus on advanced manufacturing sectors, including aerospace, automotive, nuclear and food.

Backed by £20 million from the Welsh government, and managed by the University of Sheffield AMRC, the centre will spark economic growth by supporting innovation, commercialisation and the development of a new generation of skills.

Airbus has been signed up as the first major tenant; it will use the new centre as a platform to develop next-generation wing technologies aligned to its Wing of Tomorrow programme, which is part of a global investment in research and innovation.

Economy and North Wales Minister Ken Skates said: “It is an amazing facility, bringing the very latest innovations and potential opportunities to North Wales.

“It will raise productivity in the region and — along with the North Wales Growth Deal and our investment in infrastructure — will allow the region to fulfil its economic ambition.”