New Belfast-based advanced manufacturing centre

The new advanced manufacturing centre in Northern Ireland appoints a CEO.

The High Value Manufacturing Catapult chief technology officer, Sam Turner, has been seconded for a year to join the new Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) as chief executive officer.

The the £98mln centre for Northern Ireland manufacturing is led by Queen's University Belfast, UK, in partnership with Ulster University and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. This includes £78.7mln from the UK Government as part of the Belfast Region City Deal.

'There is significant potential to unleash industrial transformation in Northern Ireland and this important investment will ensure that is achieved,' says Turner. The new CEO has more than 20 years in aerospace, steel, defence and automotive manufacturing.

AMIC hopes to transform Northern Ireland's manufacturing sector, through investment in growing industries such as aerospace, food and drink, materials handling, construction, green technology and renewable energy.

Following AMIC's launch, the Northern Ireland Technolgy Centre and the Polymer Processing Research Centrer will join AMIC in a Factory of the Future. It will be sited at Global Point in Newtownabbey and aims to utilise 5G, automation and 3D printing to boost productivity.