Report reveals potential of Lancashire’s advanced manufacturing centre

Some of the biggest private sector investments into UK advanced manufacturing over the last 15 years ‘would not have happened without the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, according to a new report confirming it as a ‘signature asset’ having brought more than £260m and 600 jobs to South Yorkshire.

The Economic Impact Analysis report by Lichfields sets out how the AMRC, founded in 2001, is a magnet for capital investment, acts as a lever for improved social mobility through its training centre, and supports a 520-strong high-value workforce that contributes more than £55m to the economy.

Now Lancashire has its own AMRC, which had its official opening last year and which carries hopes of boosting the county’s hi-tech engineering and digital capabilities through access to academic research and collaboration between firms.

In the new report, Rachel Clark, director of trade and investment at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, said: “The AMRC is a key attractor of foreign direct investment (FDI) and an important part of South Yorkshire’s pitch to prospective investors.

"Some of the biggest investments into the area over the last 10 to 15 years would not have taken place without the AMRC.”

It is the first time the AMRC has directly commissioned analysis into its impact and shows how Lancashire too can benefit over the years form having its own AMRC.

A recent independent assessment carried out into a programme run by AMRC North West, which supported 207 SMEs with access to advanced manufacturing expertise and equipment, showed that for every £1 invested in delivering the project, £4.51 was generated in the economy.