The next step in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) has been approved, after Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council green-lighted a £10m business case for the ‘factory of the future’ at Global Point, near Glengormley.

Planning approval had been given earlier in the year for the construction of the 10,500 sq metre project.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring, with AMIC becoming  fully operational in 2026. The council’s £10m is part of the construction costs. Queen’s University, Belfast, appointed Henry Brothers to deliver the £30m construction.

When completed it is anticipated that it will see 1,500 permanent jobs, as well as support for 300 apprentices.

AMIC is a £100m project which is being delivered and led by Queen’s University, alongside industry, Ulster University and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as part of the Belfast Region City Deal.

The business case has already been approved by the AMIC Project Board, the Belfast Region City Deal Executive and QUB Senate and will be forwarded to the Department for Economy for approval.

The report approved by councillors said: “AMIC will provide high quality innovation support to manufacturing and advanced engineering industry by bringing together world class academic expertise, advanced industrial practice from commercial partners and the specialist facilities needed to execute innovation research and development projects to target industry sectors.”