Robertson Appointed to AMRC North West

Robertson have been appointed by the University of Sheffield to build its dedicated Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), in North West England, boosting Lancashire’s reputation as one of Britain’s most innovative regions for advanced manufacturing and extending the AMRC’s footprint across the North.

The University of Sheffield’s AMRC North West will be constructed at the heart of the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone in Preston and is part of the wider Lancashire Advanced Manufacturing and Energy Cluster.

A grant of £20 million from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal will be used to help build and equip the 4,500m2 applied research centre, which will look to accelerate and demonstrate innovative technology, tools and techniques.

Robertson has been awarded the £11m construction contract, following on from a competitive tender process by the University of Sheffield, with work expected to begin on site in September 2020 and looks to be completed during the second half of 2021.

Steve Foxley, CEO, University of Sheffield AMRC, said: “We are pleased to have appointed Robertson as the contractor for our new dedicated applied research facility in the North West. This is an important step in realising our vision for the North and beyond.

“The new facility will not only place Lancashire at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and technologies, but it will be a catalyst for inward investment, supporting businesses in the region to innovate, drive up productivity, and lead manufacturing towards a smart, sustainable and resilient future.”

Dirk Pittaway, managing director, Robertson North West, said: “Robertson has a reputation for delivering quality projects on budget and on programme.  Our appointment to build AMRC North West illustrates further the commitment of the University of Sheffield to deliver a world-class facility for the incredible work that will be undertaken. As a business with a strong North West presence we will be working wherever we can with local supply chain partners, further bolstering the local economy and proudly providing a platform for AMRC North West to take its place on the global stage.”

Working alongside Robertson is a full design team including Cartwright Pickard Architects, Curtins Engineers, Arup, Gardiner and Theobald, and Rex Procter and Partners.

AMCR North West is to play a key role in driving recovery, growth, productivity and innovation, all whilst supporting Lancashire firms to complete nationally and internationally. The creation of this high-performing technical R&D team will enhance the manufacturing base of Lancashire, working with manufacturing companies and their supply chains.

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