Henry Brothers has won a £30 million contract to build an advanced manufacturing innovation centre (AMIC) in Newtownabbey.

The project that is led by Queen's University is part of the £100m Belfast Region City Deal.

Henry Brothers will construct the 10,500m² Factory of the Future building at Global Point Business Park.

Work includes the early contractor involvement process, construction of an engineering hall, a clean room, laboratory spaces, an auditorium and office accommodation as well as external landscaping, mechanical and electrical services.

The AMIC is being delivered by Queen's in partnership with Ulster University, industry, and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. It is also supported by the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.

By 2050, it's estimated that AMIC will have contributed more than £1 billion to the local economy, directly and indirectly created over 1,500 permanent jobs and supported the training of 300 apprentices.

Professor Stuart Elborn, Interim Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Queen's University, said: "As part of our City Deal programme AMIC will create jobs by supporting local companies to be more competitive on a global scale, attract new investment and ensure that we have the skilled workforce needed for the future.

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"Through City Deal we are committed to delivering inclusive growth benefits right across Northern Ireland in terms of productivity, jobs and skills and for the AMIC project we're delighted to be working with Henry Brothers, a company which shares this ethos."

David Henry, Managing Director at Henry Brothers, stated: "We are pleased to be working with Queen's University on the new Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, which will provide support for the manufacturing and engineering sectors in Northern Ireland and beyond.

"As one of Northern Ireland’s leading construction companies, we understand how important facilities like these are in addressing the industry-wide skills shortage.

"Having previously delivered the redevelopment of McClay Library and David Bates buildings at the University, we have an established relationship with Queen's that we look forward to building on.

"Working with the Belfast Region City Deal partners and sharing their vision to create ‘inclusive economic growth that delivers more and better jobs’, Henry Brothers is committed to embedding social value through delivery of this project, with a focus on creating apprenticeship opportunities and providing student placement and professional trainee opportunities, together with delivering paid employment opportunities for those currently facing barriers to employment."

Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy, said: "The Department, along with Invest NI, continues to support the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre and we are delighted to see another key implementation milestone being achieved by Queen’s University Belfast.

"The £100m investment shows the commitment that exists within Queen’s and the Belfast Region City Deal to collaborate with industry partners in order to unlock innovation within our region. AMIC will play a key role in the realisation of the 10x vision for our economy, by driving growth through innovation."

Planning permission was granted in May, with hopes that construction work at the site can begin next spring. AMIC plans to be operating from the Factory of the Future by 2026.