The Welsh Government has announced that productivity and sustainability in the country are being boosted thanks to a new project in Neath Port Talbot.
Through a joint project, the Welsh Government and the UK HVM (High Value Manufacturing) Catapult will look to improve capabilities in manufacturing through new research and innovation developments. This is being supported by £1.5 million of Welsh Government funding, as part of a drive to access to research and development opportunities that would ordinarily be inaccessible.
Vaughan Gething, Wales’ Economy Minister, said:
“Investing for Growth is a national priority in our Economic Mission and this exciting opportunity is a further example of the backing we are providing to Welsh manufacturing businesses in a new economy. By helping them to harness the power of research and innovation we can build on the strengths of the high-value manufacturing sector in Wales which supports so many good jobs.
“This project directly aligns with the Welsh Government’s innovation strategy, ‘Wales Innovates’, and will give a welcome boost to the Baglan Bay Technology Centre and the future development of Baglan Bay Development site.”
Approximately 18.4% of Wales’ economic output (around £11.3 billion) can be attributed to manufacturing, supporting more than 140,000 jobs, and making it a valuable industry to the nation’s economy.
HVM Catapult’s CEO, Katherine Bennett CBE, also commented:
“This announcement, bringing the entire capability of HVM Catapult to South Wales, is a fantastic way to kickstart 2024.
“The success of our first site in North Wales, AMRC Cymru, has proven how close collaboration between government, industry and academia can boost productivity and sustainability across Wales’ supply chains. This additional presence will enable those benefits for many more Welsh manufacturers as they tap into expertise from AMRC Cymru and the HVM Catapult network, in areas such as decarbonisation, digitalisation and skills development.”
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