Funded through the Belfast Region City Deal, with investment from Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University and a £10 million contribution from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, AMIC provides businesses with access to state-of-the-art facilities, specialist equipment and expert engineering support, demonstrating Council’s commitment to the long-term economic viability of the Advanced Manufacturing industry and wider supply chain network.
Located at Global Point, Newtownabbey, the new facility will help businesses to innovate, improve productivity, develop new products and processes, and become more environmentally sustainable. It will also create opportunities for businesses to collaborate, scale and connect with global partners.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan commented,
“Today marks an important milestone for Antrim and Newtownabbey and for the wider advanced manufacturing sector. AMIC is a significant investment in our region’s future, giving businesses access to world-class facilities, expertise and technology to innovate, improve productivity and compete in global markets.
“For the Council, this is about more than a state-of-the-art facility. It will be a ‘game changer’ for Advanced Manufacturing, supporting local businesses, attracting investment, creating jobs and apprenticeships, and developing the skills our economy needs to thrive.
“Through AMIC, we have an opportunity to establish this region as a best-in-class location for advanced manufacturing. Today is a celebration of what has been achieved, but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter that will help create a more innovative, productive and sustainable economy for the benefit of businesses and communities across the region.”
Sam Turner, CEO of AMIC added,
“We’re incredibly proud to be opening the AMIC factory of the future today, an innovation centre that will be a beacon for manufacturing in Northern Ireland and the wider UK and Ireland.
We are already working with local businesses to bring new technologies, innovation and skills to improve productivity and develop new products and processes as well as attracting partnerships with large companies from outside Northern Ireland.
This state-of-the-art facility in the heart of the Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey brings a bold vision to fruition from Queens University, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Belfast Region City Deal and Ulster University to deliver a world class Research and Development centre for industry.
This is just the start of the AMIC story, demand for innovation projects is already high and we see fantastic opportunities ahead for businesses in the council area and see the facility as an anchor for growth and investment.”
With Global Point providing an established location for business and further development, the wider area has the potential to attract new investment and companies seeking to benefit from the expertise, facilities and collaborative opportunities created by AMIC.
The opening of AMIC represents an important step towards the shared ambition of establishing Antrim and Newtownabbey and the wider region as a best-in-class location for advanced manufacturing, creating new opportunities for businesses and communities across Northern Ireland.
For more information visit www.investantrimnewtownabbey.com
