Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre for Belfast underway

Pictured from left: Ian McCully, senior contracts director at Henry Brothers; Professor Stuart Elborn, interim provost and deputy vice-chancellor at Queen’s; Trudy Anderson, estates manager at Queen’s; and David Henry, Henry Brothers managing director

Magherafelt-based Henry Brothers has been awarded the contract to build the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100 million Belfast Region City Deal project, with almost £80 million coming from the UK Government. Henry Brothers has won the £30 million contract to build the 10,500m² ‘Factory of the Future’ building at Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey.The work includes the construction of an engineering hall, a clean room, laboratory spaces, an auditorium and office accommodation as well as external landscaping and mechanical and electrical services

AMIC will reinvigorate Northern Ireland’s industrial potential and address the future technology and skills challenges faced by the region’s manufacturing sector. It is being delivered by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with Ulster University, industry, and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and is supported by the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. By 2050, it is estimated that the AMIC will have contributed more than £1 billion to the local economy, directly and indirectly, have created over 1,500 permanent jobs and supported the training of 300 apprentices.

Professor Sir Ian Greer, president and vice-chancellor of Queen’s University, said: “Queen’s vision as a civic university and a Belfast Region City Deal partner is to create tangible impact where it truly matters. We are determined to drive societal progress for generations to come through delivering three innovation centres in advanced manufacturing, clinical research and secure, connected digital technologies.

“Connecting our underpinning high-quality research with industry, government and the manufacturing sector, will turbocharge our region’s capabilities and embed a culture of innovation to act as a driver for increased productivity. Our focus is on driving sustainable economic growth to have a positive impact on the lives of people across Northern Ireland.”

Create jobs
Professor Stuart Elborn, interim provost and deputy vice-chancellor at Queen’s University, said: “As part of our City Deal programme AMIC will create jobs by supporting local companies to be more competitive on a global scale, attract new investment and ensure that we have the skilled workforce needed for the future. Through City Deal we are committed to delivering inclusive growth benefits right across Northern Ireland in terms of productivity, jobs and skills and for the AMIC project we’re delighted to be working with Henry Brothers, a company which shares this ethos.”

Planning permission for the building was given in May, and it is hoped that construction work at the site can start next spring. AMIC plans to be operating from the ‘Factory of the Future’ by 2026, which will have the capacity to house 150 staff.

Mike Brennan, permanent secretary of the Department for the Economy, said: “The Department, along with Invest NI, continues to support the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre and we are delighted to see another key implementation milestone being achieved by Queen’s University Belfast.

“The £100 million investment shows the commitment that exists within Queen’s and the Belfast Region City Deal to collaborate with industry partners in order to unlock innovation within our region. AMIC will play a key role in the realisation of the 10-times vision for our economy, by driving growth through innovation.”

AMIC is building on 50 years of sustained innovation and industry support through the Northern Ireland Technology Centre (NITC), the Polymers Processing Research Centre (PPRC) and the more recent university-industry partnership, the NI Advanced Composites and Engineering (NIACE). It will provide a specialised environment for advanced manufacturing, materials, and engineering sectors to access the latest digital, automation and robotics technology supported by experienced engineers.