As summer turned to autumn, the last two months brought a wave of activity and momentum across AMIC. From major industry events and collaborative workshops to national features and new partnerships, it’s been a month that truly showcased the strength of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing community.
In this edition, we look back on highlights from the Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, celebrate the Future Island–Island project at the Design Museum, and reflect on the growing partnerships shaping our journey toward sustainable, data-driven manufacturing.
We also welcomed new faces to the AMIC team — continuing to build the capability and expertise that will help drive the sector forward.
A Landmark Month for NI Manufacturing
The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition (11 September) was a major highlight for our sector. Packed sessions on automation, robotics, supply chains, digital factories, sustainability and workforce development reinforced the ambition of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing community to build a stronger, smarter and greener future.
The AMIC team shared expertise on collaboration, skills, data and sustainability – sparking conversations that will shape future projects and partnerships. Read here.
🎥 Watch the highlights and AMIC team reflections
Celebrating Future Island–Island Success
In mid-September, AMIC closed out the Future Island–Island project with the honour of seeing our work displayed at the Design Museum in London.
This coincided with the announcement of a £34 million investment from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to support growth and the UK’s transition to net zero – including Phase 2 funding for the Green Transition Ecosystem projects.
This programme continues our journey of innovation in areas like beach cleaning and valorising waste materials, with thanks to our brilliant partners across academia and industry.
👉 Read more in the official AHRC release: UKRI Blog – Designing a Greener Tomorrow
Workshops Driving Collaboration
Highlight
Advanced Manufacturing Roundtable with Minister for Business
In August, AMIC hosted an advanced manufacturing roundtable with Sarah Jones, Minister for Business, at our NIACE facility. Led by David Quinn, Director of City Deal at Queen’s University Belfast, the session provided a platform to discuss NI’s role in delivering the UK’s modern industrial strategy. The conversation highlighted how the three Belfast Region City Deal innovation projects – including AMIC – alongside Queen’s world-leading expertise in advanced manufacturing, life sciences and cyber-security, position NI as a strong partner for government in delivering its growth mission. This was a significant milestone for AMIC and our partners, ensuring our sector’s voice is central in shaping industrial strategy.
AMIC CEO Sam Turner Featured in AgendaNI
We were proud to see Sam Turner, CEO of AMIC, featured as the cover story in the latest edition of AgendaNI Magazine.
In this special feature, Sam outlines his vision for advanced manufacturing in Northern Ireland – one that seizes economic opportunities, embraces technological advances, and delivers on sustainability.
The article also highlights AMIC’s role in shaping a future where innovation and collaboration underpin growth across the manufacturing sector.
👉 Read the issue online: AgendaNI – Issue 125
Welcoming New Team Members
We are delighted to welcome several new colleagues to AMIC in recent weeks:
- Shelby Hanna – Learning and Development Officer
- Jacob Diameh – Project Officer
- Zach Burgon – Clerical Officer
- Tanya Carey – Financial Systems and Operations Co-ordinator
- Gareth Smyth – Facilities Officer
Each brings valuable expertise and energy to our growing team.
✨ That’s all for this edition – thank you for reading. We look forward to sharing more updates as we continue our journey to deliver world-class innovation capability for Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector.
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