The site is expected to unlock around £18m in additional GVA annually within five years by helping manufacturers improve their productivity and sustainability through digital services.
A Major Boost for Welsh Manufacturing
Located at the Bay Technology Centre in Port Talbot, the site was opened in collaboration with the Welsh Government with the aim of bolstering innovation in Welsh manufacturing. T
he manufacturing equipment on the site will be funded by the government. This marks the second High Value Manufacturing Catapult site in Wales.
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning at the Welsh Government, helped open the site. She stated, "Wales has a strong industrial heritage and more people are currently employed in manufacturing than any other single sector in Wales.
This new digital factory hub has the potential to supercharge the future of high-value manufacturing here by helping more Welsh businesses access the expertise of AMRC Cymru and the Catapult network in addressing current challenges and taking advantage of new opportunities."
Supporting Medium-Sized Enterprises
The new facility will focus on the estimated 100 medium-sized enterprises in the area that currently do not engage in R&D activities. By providing access to cutting-edge digital services, the hub aims to bridge this gap and drive innovation.
Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of High Value Manufacturing Catapult, described the opening as "a landmark moment for South Wales’ industrial landscape." She added, "Helping manufacturers embrace innovation and harness advanced technologies enables them to grow, thrive, and secure high-value jobs for the future. At scale, and with the support of Innovate UK, we can elevate Wales’ role as a leader in net-zero modern manufacturing with new industry, new skills, regeneration, and economic growth."
Collaboration for Growth with WMG and AMRC
This development is supported by Warwick Manufacturing Group and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). Their involvement ensures that businesses in the region receive the expertise and resources needed to adapt to modern manufacturing demands.
The expansion of High Value Manufacturing Catapult in Wales underscores its commitment to driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and supporting the future of manufacturing in the region.
