WMG to manage new HVM Catapult site
WMG to manage new HVM Catapult site
The High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult has officially opened a new cutting-edge digital factory hub in Baglan, South Wales.
HVM Catapult Baglan will be managed by WMG in collaboration with AMRC Cymru, which will run the digital factory hub. The hub has been granted £1.5 million of Welsh Government innovation funding and will showcase the latest digital technologies including a SMART workbench, advanced robotics, virtual and augmented reality and additive manufacturing.
Manufacturing is a cornerstone of the Welsh economy, contributing almost a fifth (18.4%) of its output, or £11.3 billion annually, and supporting 147,000 jobs. Despite this, investment in research and development in Wales is only 40% of the UK average, and many small and medium-sized enterprises remain innovation-inactive. HVM Catapult’s Baglan hub aims to change this by driving research, development and innovation across South Wales' industrial base.
Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at WMG, explained:
"WMG has a long history of supporting the automotive and steel sectors which have a significant industrial base in Wales and have significant growth opportunities at a time of industrial change. We support the very largest and the very smallest of companies and pride ourselves in building supply chains to create regional regeneration.
"For SMEs across the region, this hub will be a catalyst for growth, providing access to cutting-edge digital tools, specialist knowledge, and industry-leading research from across the HVMC network to support future generations. By managing this initiative, we are committed to ensuring that manufacturers of all sizes can fully access these opportunities, strengthening industry in South Wales and beyond."
The facility, opened by Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning at the Welsh Government, is expected to unlock up to £18million in additional gross value added (GVA) annually within five years by helping manufacturers improve their productivity, efficiency and sustainability through the adoption of digital solutions.
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy in Welsh Government, said:
“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.
“This strongly aligns with our innovation strategy, Wales Innovates, and our commitment to ensuring Wales remains a leading manufacturing nation. Harnessing the power of decarbonisation, digitalisation and skills development will be crucial if we are to achieve our vision of a more prosperous ,equal and greener Welsh economy. Our partnership with High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult strengthens our position significantly.”
Katherine Bennett CBE, HVM Catapult CEO, said:
“This is a landmark moment for South Wales’ industrial landscape. 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.”
HVM Catapult Director of South Wales, Jacqui Murray said:
“Manufacturing goes back generations in Wales, and I strongly believe that the Welsh manufacturing sector can be creative and prosperous for our future generations too. Opening our new site in Baglan allows us to create exciting opportunities for innovation, partnership and growth in South Welsh manufacturing, and has the full support from the HVM Catapult – together we will co-create an exciting and sustainable manufacturing future for Wales together.”
Find out more about the WMG HVM centre here: High Value Manufacturing CatapultLink opens in a new window