£30m Contract For ‘Factory Of The Future’ Awarded -

A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR has been awarded the £30m contract to construct a 10,500m² ‘Factory of the Future’ building.

Henry Brothers was appointed to build the Queen’s University Belfast-led Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey. The contract is part of the £100m Belfast Region City Deal project, with £80m coming from the UK Government.

The AMIC building 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.

Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre

AMIC promises to reinvigorate Northern Ireland’s industrial potential and address the future technology and skills challenges faced by the region’s manufacturing sector.

It’s being delivered by Queen’s in partnership with Ulster University, industry, and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and supported by the UK Government and NI Executive.

By 2050, it’s estimated that AMIC will have contributed more than £1bn to the local economy, directly and indirectly created over 1,500 permanent jobs and supported the training of 300 apprentices.

Prof Sir Ian Greer, Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University, said: “Queen’s vision …[is] 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 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.

£30m Contract

Henry Brothers, headquartered in Magherafelt, with 200 employees based across Northern Ireland, England, and Scotland, has been awarded the construction contract after a competitive tendering process.

Work includes the early contractor involvement process, 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.

It’s hoped that construction work can start next spring. AMIC plans to be operating from the Factory of the Future by 2026, with capacity for 150 staff, as it delivers for Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector.

David Henry, Managing Director, Henry Brothers, said: “Working with the Belfast Region City Deal partners and sharing their vision to create ‘inclusive economic growth that delivers more and better jobs’, Henry Brothers is committed to embedding social value through delivery of this project, with a focus on creating apprenticeship opportunities and providing student placement and professional trainee opportunities, together with delivering paid employment opportunities for those currently facing barriers to employment.”

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