Northern Ireland-based Henry Brothers has been awarded the construction contract after a competitive tendering process.
Work includes the early contractor involvement process, construction of an engineering hall, a cleanroom, laboratory spaces, an auditorium and office accommodation as well as external landscaping and mechanical and electrical services.
Planning permission for the building was given in May, and it’s hoped that construction work at the site 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, MD for Henry Brothers, said: “We are pleased to be working with Queen’s University on the new Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, which will provide support for the manufacturing and engineering sectors in Northern Ireland and beyond."
The department, along with Invest NI, continues to support the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre
- Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy
Henry continued: “As one of Northern Ireland’s leading construction companies, we understand how important facilities like these are in addressing the industry-wide skills shortage. Having previously delivered the redevelopment of McClay Library and David Bates buildings at the University, we have an established relationship with Queen’s that we look forward to building on."
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."
Brennan continued: “The £100m (USD $122m) 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 10x vision for our economy, by driving growth through innovation.”
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Mark Cooper BEM, said: “The appointment of a contractor for AMIC is great news bringing the development a step closer. The Council is delighted to support this project with a £10m investment which will see this flagship facility, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, set for Global Point Newtownabbey."
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.
