ECONOMY Secretary Ken Skates has welcomed the start of construction at the Welsh Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Institute (AMRI) in Broughton.

Ahead of a turf cutting ceremony today, the secretary described the institute as a “game changer”.

He said the facility would provide a new level of support to business and ensure collaboration between industry, academic partners and entrepreneurs in order to drive innovation, commercialisation, up-skill the workforce and provide a catalyst for economic growth.

The Welsh Government is investing £20 million in the new institute, which will have a strong focus on advanced manufacturing sectors including aerospace, automotive, nuclear and food.

The construction of the building in Broughton, which is due to be completed next year, is the first phase of a two site project. The Broughton site is scheduled to open by the end of 2019.

Mr Skates said: "The AMRI will enable collaboration focused on innovation, research and commercialisation between industry, academic partners and entrepreneurs and I am delighted that Airbus will be the first tenant of the centre and will be progressing an exciting project here focussed on future wing technology.

“The AMRI will target commercialisation and development of world leading skills across the manufacturing spectrum as well as equipping the next generation of experts, innovators and leaders through training, to apprenticeship, to PhD level.

“This will ensure a thriving industry base that will be a catalyst for economic growth across the supply chain, increasing productivity and supporting competitiveness of Welsh industry at home and around the world."

The Welsh Government is in advanced negotiation with AMRC Sheffield to operate the centre and has recently appointed contractor Galliford Try to manage the construction phase.