With a thriving advanced manufacturing and engineering sector throughout West Suffolk, it was no surprise when in January 2019, we saw the establishment of the West Suffolk Manufacturing Group. A group of businesses within the sector who come together to share ideas, challenges and best practice within a culture of mutual support and encouragement.

With such a level of interest in this group from the sector, alongside a recently opened new £10 million STEM Centre in West Suffolk, West Suffolk Council took the somewhat straightforward decision in December 2021 to invest in excess of £10m in a new home to support start-up and fledgling businesses within this key sector.

This innovative project will be a significant step forward in bolstering Suffolk’s reputation as one of the leaders in advanced manufacturing and supports a key growth area in West Suffolk. According to 2022 data, advanced manufacturing is the largest of the growth sectors in the Suffolk Economy, with £1.9 billion gross value added in 2022. By 2050 that is due to more than double and contribute £4.7 billion to Suffolk’s economy.

The new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Centre (AME Centre), planned to be built in Bury St Edmunds will be at the heart of this growth, driving research and development, job creation, skills development, and collaboration.

In early 2025, the Suffolk Business Board, agreed to contribute a capital grant of up to £2 million and £166,000 annually over 15 years from Enterprise Zone funding to help meet this increase. This is on top of nearly £15 million supported by West Suffolk Council from the retained Enterprise Zone funding from Suffolk Business Park to date and over the remaining 15 years of the Enterprise Zone

Just another reason why West Suffolk is the location for you and your advanced manufacturing and engineering business.