North Wales has steadily emerged as a manufacturing powerhouse, fuelled by a robust network of industries, a highly skilled workforce, and a commitment to innovation.
With hundreds of companies, thousands of jobs, two universities, and two of the UK’s best further education colleges, the region has become a centre of high-value manufacturing, making substantial contributions to both the Welsh and UK economies. But this is just the beginning. Our vision for North Wales is even more ambitious.
Our region is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the next wave of manufacturing advancements.
Innovation in high-value manufacturing is one of our key priorities, and we are committed to promoting the commercialisation of new technologies that can revolutionise the sector. By harnessing our existing strengths and building on the solid industrial foundations already in place, North Wales is poised to lead the way in sustainable and cutting-edge manufacturing.
At the core of our economic strategy is the goal of securing high-value employment and training opportunities for the people of North Wales. Manufacturing has long been a vital employer in the region, but the industry is evolving, and with it, so too must the workforce. The next generation of manufacturing will be driven by technology, automation, and sustainability, and we are committed to ensuring our workforce is equipped with the skills and training to thrive in this new environment.
A crucial aspect of our vision is to support decarbonisation within the manufacturing sector. As national and global efforts intensify to combat climate change, it is essential that our manufacturing industries align with these goals. We aim to promote and facilitate the transition to low-carbon alternatives, ensuring that North Wales becomes a leader in sustainable manufacturing practices.
Two of our flagship projects demonstrate our commitment to advancing the manufacturing sector. These initiatives, led by Bangor University and Wrexham University, represent significant investments in the future of North Wales and its ability to compete on the global stage.
The Centre for Environmental Biotechnology (Bangor University)
This cutting-edge project explores the use of biological processes as low-carbon alternatives to traditional manufacturing practices. By leveraging biological systems, we can develop cleaner, more sustainable methods for producing a wide range of products and industrial processes. This centre represents a key element of our strategy to decarbonise the manufacturing sector, aligning North Wales with national and global climate objectives while driving innovation in biotechnology.
The Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre (Wrexham University)
Focused on optics, photonics, and composite materials, this project will deliver state-of-the-art facilities to research lightweight alternatives for industrial applications. Composite materials, in particular, offer enormous potential for reducing carbon emissions by replacing heavier, more energy-intensive materials. Through the development of advanced materials, this centre will help industries across North Wales become more competitive while reducing their environmental footprint.
These projects are not just about innovation; they are about building a sustainable future for our region. By putting the environment at the heart of our manufacturing strategy, we are ensuring that North Wales remains at the forefront of the transition to a net-zero carbon economy.
This focus, and the success of our vision, is reliant on strong partnership network. As Cllr. Dyfrig Siencyn, Lead Member for our Innovation in High Value Manufacturing programme and Chair of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, has always emphasised: “These projects demonstrate that by working collaboratively across the public and private sectors we can achieve great things – economic development, investment, jobs and training – all supporting our vision for a smart, connected, resilient and sustainable region.”
This commitment to sustainability goes beyond individual projects. We are working collaboratively across all six of our local councils to develop Local Area Energy Plans. These plans will outline a compelling vision for a net-zero carbon energy system by 2050 and provide a clear action plan for achieving this ambitious goal. Through these initiatives, we are ensuring that the region’s energy infrastructure supports both our environmental objectives and the growth of the advanced manufacturing sector.
At the Economic Ambition Board, we believe that North Wales has the potential to lead the way not just within the UK, but on the international stage. By investing in innovation and sustainability today, we are building a better future for our region, our economy, and our people.
