Ground broken on Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Centre

The construction of a new state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) centre in Bury St Edmunds is underway.

The AME Centre, which, once complete, will deliver 17 self-contained, flexible workshop units, as well as meeting rooms and conference facilities, to support business growth, collaboration, and networking for the wider AME sector.

On Wednesday, March 18, key project stakeholders and main building contractor, Pentaco, marked the start of the construction with a ground-breaking ceremony at the site on Suffolk Business Park, in Bury St Edmunds.

Indy Wijenayaka, the cabinet m ember for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “I am thrilled that construction has begun on the AME Centre.

“This vital project is designed to power the future of our local economy by providing a space designed to support business growth in advanced manufacturing and engineering, creating opportunities for new employment and skills development, all in favour of our local communities.

“On a wider scale, this will provide larger companies with the support of supply chain businesses, stimulating sustainable economic growth as well as the development of new technology.”

Christopher Leggett, area cirector Suffolk, Pentaco Construction Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be entrusted with this vital development for West Suffolk Council.

“Pentaco is committed to creating a positive local social value impact and deliver a high-quality, sustainable facility that meets the evolving needs of residents and businesses alike.

“As we begin works on-site, our focus is on safety, efficiency, and minimal disruption to our neighbours.

“We look forward to working closely with the council, our supply-chain partners and the wider stakeholders to make this vision become a reality for the people of West Suffolk.”

According to 2022 data, Advanced Manufacturing is the largest of the growth sectors in the Suffolk Economy, with £1.9 billion gross value added in 2022.

By 2050 that is due to more than double and contribute £4.7bn to Suffolk’s economy.

The new AME Centre will be at the heart of this growth and bolster Suffolk’s reputation as one of the leaders in advanced manufacturing.

Funding for the centre is coming from West Suffolk Council and Enterprise Zone funding, endorsed by Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Business Board.