High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult Baglan, a joint venture
by the UK HVM Catapult and the Welsh Government, will include an
office space and digital factory hub. It will showcase support,
tools, techniques and advice to manufacturing companies to
improve their capabilities.
The £1.5m from the Welsh Government will provide AMRC Cymru, part
of the HVM Catapult network, with technology and equipment to
showcase the latest research, development and innovation to local
manufacturing industries in Neath Port Talbot and surrounding
areas as well as providing a space for wider engagement and joint
work with stakeholders.
Economy Minister said:
“Investing for growth is a national priority in our economic
mission and this is exciting opportunity is a further example of
the backing we are providing to Welsh manufacturing businesses in
a new economy. By helping them to harness the power of research
and innovation we can build on the strengths of the high value
manufacturing sector in Wales which supports so many good jobs.
“This project directly aligns with the Welsh Government’s
innovation strategy, Wales Innovates, and will give a welcome
boost to the Baglan Bay Technology Centre and the future
development of Baglan Bay Development site."
Established and supported by Innovate UK, HVM Catapult is a
network of research and innovation centres working to transform
UK manufacturing.
They help businesses to optimise products, processes and
workforces by giving manufacturers access to otherwise
out-of-reach world-class research, development facilities.
HVM Catapult CEO Katherine Bennett CBE said:
“This announcement, bringing the entire capability of HVM
Catapult to South Wales, is a fantastic way to kickstart 2024.
“The success of our first site in North Wales, AMRC Cymru, has
proven how close collaboration between government, industry and
academia can boost productivity and sustainability across Wales’
supply chains. This additional presence will enable those
benefits for many more Welsh manufacturers as they tap into
expertise from AMRC Cymru and the HVM Catapult network, in areas
such as decarbonisation, digitalisation and skills development.”
It is estimated that manufacturing accounts for 18.4% of Wales’
economic output, equivalent to £11.3bn per year, supporting
147,000 jobs. The project is a step toward the Welsh Government
establishing its own National Manufacturing Institute Wales
(NMIW) which is currently in discussion with Innovate UK.
The operating space will be managed by HVM Catapult and the
digital factory hub will be run by AMRC Cymru, part of the
University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
Operational delivery will start by end of this financial year.
