A research centre has helped more than 100 businesses 'make things faster, cheaper, and greener' over the past five years.

Since opening in 2019, AMRC Cymru, based in Broughton, North Wales, has worked with more than 100 businesses, helping them innovate, develop products, and future-proof.

The centre, which cost £20 million, was funded by the Welsh Government.

The centre is part of the University of Sheffield and the High-Value Manufacturing Catapult, a 'consortium strategic innovation hub' for UK industry, established and supported by Innovate UK.

It has also delivered 20 programmes to teach companies how to digitally measure their energy use.

Welsh Government cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, Rebecca Evans, said: "The facility has quickly established itself as a significant asset in our R&D ecosystem, helping more than 100 Welsh businesses innovate, develop new products, and future-proof.

"I look forward to seeing the centre continue to play a critical role in Wales's advanced manufacturing future as we work together with partners to boost productivity, attract further investment, and create high-quality, sustainable jobs."

The centre's fifth anniversary also coincides with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's announcement of a £160 million investment zone in northeast Wales next year, focused on the advanced manufacturing cluster.

AMRC Cymru's research director, Andy Silcox, a member of the investment zone's shadow board, said: "We have managed to engage with a diverse range of Welsh businesses across a multitude of manufacturing sectors, and I'm proud that we have been able to make a positive contribution to everyone we have worked with."

The centre has also supported more than 50 small-to-medium enterprises' (SMEs) digital and sustainable manufacturing through its assist programmes, which are fully funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations to local councils.

These programmes have provided local manufacturers with access to advanced manufacturing technology, knowledge transfer, training, and upskilling in digital and decarbonisation strategies.

AMRC Cymru also played a 'critical role' during the Covid-19 pandemic, when it was turned into a production base for life-saving ventilators.

Katherine Bennett, CEO of HVM Catapult, said: "I know from my time at Airbus how important the site has been for Welsh industry.

"It has proved itself a true national asset - first as a production facility for thousands of ventilators and now helping manufacturers large and small become more profitable, sustainable, and competitive.

"Here's to many more years of supercharging Welsh manufacturing."

AMRC Cymru is also making advancements in the agricultural sector, which is under 'increasing pressure' to produce 'high-quality, low-cost food while reducing environmental impacts.'

In response, AMRC Cymru is leading the AgBot project - the UK’s 'first commercially available fully autonomous tractor.'

The centre has also partnered with Japan Marine United as part of a strategic research partnership to develop floating offshore wind power in Wales and the rest of the UK.

Jason Murphy, strategy and commercial director at AMRC Cymru, said: "While the rapid pace of technological change can be overwhelming, success in business remains fundamentally driven by human relationships and collaboration.

"Striking this balance will be crucial as we work to drive economic growth in Wales by developing a world-class manufacturing sector over the next decade."

More information about AMRC Cymru can be found on the centre's website.