A contractor has been appointed for the Queen's University Belfast-led Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100 million Belfast Region City Deal project, with almost £80m coming from the UK Government.

Henry Brothers has won the £30m contract to develop the 10,500m² Factory of the Future building at Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey.

AMIC will reinvigorate Northern Ireland’s industrial potential and address the future technology and skills challenges faced by the region’s manufacturing sector.

It is being delivered by Queen's in partnership with Ulster University, industry, and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and supported by the UK Government and NI Executive.

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By 2050, it's estimated that AMIC will have contributed more than £1bn to the local economy, directly and indirectly created over 1,500 permanent jobs and supported the training of 300 apprentices.

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen's University, said: "Queen's vision as a civic university and a Belfast Region City Deal partner is to create tangible impact where it truly matters. We are determined to drive societal progress for generations to come through delivering three Innovation Centres in advanced manufacturing, clinical research and secure, connected digital technologies.

"Connecting our underpinning high-quality research with industry, government and the manufacturing sector will turbocharge our region’s capabilities and embed a culture of innovation to act as a driver for increased productivity.

"Our focus is on driving sustainable economic growth to have a positive impact on the lives of people across Northern Ireland."