Lindum has reached a major milestone in its delivery of Ashfield District Council’s Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC) project.
Based in Lowmoor Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, work has now begun on erecting the steel frame for the £20 million building.
The ADMC is the flagship project within the government-funded Towns Fund programme for Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield and represents a major investment in the future of manufacturing, skills and innovation across the district.
Once complete, the ADMC will help local businesses grow by giving them access to the latest technology in manufacturing, logistics, distribution and automation. This will help companies improve the way they work and compete with businesses across the UK and around the world.
The 3,500m² centre will include space for businesses to develop and test new products, learn new skills and explore the latest technology. It will also help companies become more efficient and adopt new ways of working.
The building will benefit local people providing the chance to gain the skills needed for careers in engineering, automation and advanced manufacturing. It will also help bring together education providers and employers to tackle skills shortages and create more high-skilled jobs in the region.
Located at the £100 million Ashfield Automation Park, opposite Sutton Parkway train station, the ADMC will build on Ashfield’s strong manufacturing heritage and excellent transport links. It is expected to attract new investment, encourage innovation and support jobs and business growth across the East Midlands.
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is a key strategic partner in the project. They will be leading on academic research and development at the centre, as well as providing expert advice to businesses on how they could use automation to support their operations.
Cllr Rachel Madden, Executive Lead Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits at Ashfield District Council, said: “The ADMC will be a centre of excellence right here in Ashfield, making the most of our central location.
“It will give young people the chance to learn skills in robotics, automation and digital technology, helping them prepare for well-paid jobs in the future.
“The centre is expected to support more than 2,000 learners and 675 apprentices, helping to train the next generation of engineers and technical experts.
“The ADMC will create exciting career opportunities close to home and help bring new investment to Ashfield.
“I am looking forward to seeing this fantastic project reach its next milestone.”
Edward Chambers, Lindum Co-Chair, added: “Reaching the steel erection stage is a significant milestone for the project and it’s great to see the building really starting to take shape.
“With the frame progressing well, we’ll soon move on to installing the roof and external cladding.
“We’re pleased with the progress being made on site and delighted to be delivering another project for our long-standing client, Ashfield District Council.
“It’s also fantastic to be supporting the next generation of construction professionals by hosting a T Level student from Vision West Nottinghamshire College.
“He’s become a valued member of the site team, gaining hands-on experience while making a genuine contribution to the project.”
Professor Bilal Ahmad, Academic Lead for the Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC) at Nottingham Trent University, a strategic partner in the project, said: “I am excited to see the ADMC taking shape. This is much more than a new facility; it is a strategic investment in creating the capability, skills and collaboration needed to accelerate robotics adoption and transform the future of UK advanced manufacturing and logistics.
“The ADMC will help accelerate this adoption by bringing together businesses, researchers and technology providers to address real industrial challenges, develop skills and support organisations in implementing new technologies with confidence.
“The centre will create new opportunities for the East Midlands by strengthening industrial capability, creating high value jobs, and positioning the region as a leading location for advanced manufacturing, logistics and technology innovation.”
