Plans unveiled for £8m technology centre set to support Tees Valley SMEs

Plans to deliver a new £8m technology centre in Middlesbrough have been unveiled today (October 10).

Northern Powerhouse Minister Rt Hon Jake Berry MP has revealed details of a new project to create a new technology centre for research organisation TWI.

The research facility will be based at Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park (TeesAMP), providing specialist equipment and laboratory space to support regional SMEs, with a focus on the inspection and safe use of materials in industrial applications, as well as materials testing and research to develop new technologies.

TWI’s director of innovation and skills, Professor Tat-Hean Gan, commented: “We are delighted to be able to announce this project for the expansion of our facilities here in the Tees Valley.

“The research and innovation that we’re able to carry out here is already world-leading and that’s down to the knowledge and highly skilled workforce available to us. The investment in our new facility will allow us to expand further, creating more high value research led jobs.”

The technology centre is the latest investment to impact the region, following the likes of the £450m Tees Valley Devolution Deal and the £3.6bn Towns Fund.

Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Rt Hon Jake Berry MP commented: “Government investment is flowing into the area and I have seen for myself how the Tees Valley Mayor and local leaders are using this money to boost the economy and support world-class centres for advanced manufacturing, innovation and research.”

Mayor Houchen added: “I’m delighted to be helping launch this brilliant new facility for TWI. TWI is a world-class organisation that contributes significantly to the Tees Valley’s formidable reputation for research and innovation.

“TeesAMP is a development of national significance that will deliver long-lasting benefits in terms of jobs, skills, prosperity and further investment. It’s fantastic TWI are continuing to expand here, showing commitment to TeesAMP, the region and to our fantastic advanced manufacturing SMEs central to our success.”

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