Construction has commenced on the Factory of the Future at Global Point in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, spearheaded by Queen’s University Belfast. The project marks a pivotal milestone for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), funded by a substantial $128.3 million investment. This initiative is anticipated to generate up to 1,500 jobs throughout Northern Ireland and inject approximately $1.2 billion into the regional economy by 2050.
Joined by U.S. Special Envoy to NI for Economic Affairs Joe Kennedy III, Queen’s University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer, and Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Neil Kelly, a diverse group of industry leaders, government officials, and academia recently convened at the site to commemorate the project’s launch. The Factory of the Future is a cornerstone of a broader $295 million innovation program led by Queen’s University, supported by the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive through the Belfast Region City Deal.
Expected to open its doors in 2026, the state-of-the-art facility will span 10,000 square meters and accommodate up to 150 staff. It is being constructed by Henry Brothers and is designed to revitalize local industrial capacity while addressing future technological and skills challenges within Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector.
AMIC will serve as a specialized hub for advanced manufacturing, materials, and engineering sectors, providing access to cutting-edge digital, automation, and robotics technologies. This initiative aims to bolster innovation capabilities among local manufacturing firms, supported by a team of over 50 experienced engineers and support staff.
The Factory of the Future builds upon Queen’s University’s extensive track record of industry-focused innovation spanning more than 55 years through initiatives like the Northern Ireland Technology Centre (NITC), Polymers Processing Research Centre (PPRC), and Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NIACE).
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