The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) – a flagship project under the £930million Belfast Region City Deal – will transform Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector by creating 1,500 jobs, training hundreds of apprentices and giving businesses access to cutting-edge technology, specialist equipment and world-leading expertise.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Finance Minister John O’Dowd visited the construction site at Global Point in Newtownabbey this week to see progress on the £98million Factory of the Future, which is being delivered in partnership with Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
The 10,500m² state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for advanced manufacturing and engineering innovation.
Speaking after touring the site, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said:
“AMIC's 'Factory of the Future' is a £98million investment that will transform local manufacturing. It will create 1,500 new jobs, train hundreds of apprentices and inject millions into the local economy.
"AMIC gives manufacturers access to cutting-edge tech, from robotics to sustainable materials, helping businesses boost their productivity and global competitiveness. Both of which are central to my Economic Vision and the long-term economic development of the north.”
Finance Minister John O’Dowd added:
“I was pleased to visit the site of the AMIC and hear first-hand how it will help deliver economic growth and social benefits once completed.
"This centre is a key part of the Belfast Region City Deal and will be a state-of-the-art research and innovation facility that will serve as a hub for advanced manufacturing technologies. It is exactly the kind of forward-thinking facility we need, supporting productivity and long-term growth.
" It will have a positive impact on local communities through new jobs, an increased skills base and its support of local businesses. City and Growth Deals are built on partnership, shared goals and commitment and this innovation centre is an excellent example of that.”
Professor Liam Maguire, Ulster University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, joined the Ministers on-site and said:
“Ulster University is a core partner in AMIC, which will have a significant impact on the advanced manufacturing sector here in Northern Ireland. Through our research expertise and talent pipeline in areas such as engineering, robotics and materials science, we will work closely with industry to address real-world challenges and drive innovation.
"This is a major investment that will deliver long-term economic and social benefits, and we are delighted to see the progress being made on the ground.”
Once operational, AMIC’s Factory of the Future will play a pivotal role in transforming the region’s manufacturing base, enhancing productivity, supporting skills development and fostering innovation.
