As part of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined
Authority's mission to build a strong, sustainable economy, Dr
, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough visited
Paragraf in Huntingdonshire today.
Paragraf is the first company in the world to mass-produce
graphene-based electronic devices, contributing strongly to the
local economy and providing highly skilled and high value
employment to the area.
The advanced manufacturing sector adds £8.5billion annually to
the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy, playing a vital role
in driving both regional and national growth.
Founded as a spin-out from Cambridge University's Centre for
Gallium Nitride, Paragraf launched its first site in Somersham in
2018. Since then, it has expanded rapidly, growing from 3
employees to over 110 within six years. In February 2023,
Paragraf expanded with a brand new manufacturing facility, in
Huntingdon, positioning the company for further
accelerated growth and innovation.
Dr , Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough,
said:
“It's always a pleasure to see leading-edge homegrown companies
like Paragraf in action, and hugely encouraging to know that our
advanced-manufacturing sector continues to go from strength to
strength, not least in the creation of good quality jobs, and
high-value technologies.”
The manufacturing sector plays a critical role in driving growth
and prosperity here in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Advanced
manufacturing alone accounts for 28% of knowledge-intensive
businesses across the region, and the sector has grown by 35%
over the last seven years.
Manufacturing also provides approximately 15.8% of jobs in
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, nearly double the national
average of 8.1%. These figures reflect the importance of
fostering a thriving, high-value manufacturing industry that
delivers tangible benefits to local communities and creates
opportunities for future generations.
During his visit, Mayor Dr toured Paragraf's new facility and received an update
on the company's latest advancements. He also met with CEO to discuss future growth
plans, workforce development, and the company's contributions to
the region's economy.
Paragraf CEO , said:
“We are excited about the benefits improved transportation around
Huntingdon will bring to our staff and new manufacturing site.
Establishing better connections to our R&D and prototyping
centre in Somersham and surrounding areas would further enhance
our operations. It's an honour to welcome the Mayor of the
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to witness our
work mass producing graphene-based electronic devices at the
heart of the UK. We hope his team can apply the same innovative
spirit seen in projects like the Tiger on-demand bus service to
other infrastructure and services, enabling the rapid growth of a
world-leading hub for advanced semiconductor
development."
