Ground broken on Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Centre

25 Mar 2026

The construction of a new state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) Centre in Bury St Edmunds is underway.

The AME Centre, once complete, will deliver 17 self-contained, flexible workshop units, as well as meeting rooms and conference facilities, to support business growth, collaboration and networking for the wider AME sector.

On Wednesday 18 March, key project stakeholders and main building contractor, Pentaco, marked the start of the construction with a ground-breaking ceremony at the site on Suffolk Business Park in Bury St Edmunds.

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “I am thrilled that construction has begun on the AME Centre. This vital project is designed to power the future of our local economy by providing a space designed to support business growth in advanced manufacturing and engineering, creating opportunities for new employment and skills development, all in favour of our local communities.

“On a wider scale, this will provide larger companies with the support of supply chain businesses, stimulating sustainable economic growth as well as the development of new technology.”

Christopher Leggett, Area Director Suffolk, Pentaco Construction Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be entrusted with this vital development for West Suffolk Council. Pentaco is committed to creating a positive local social value impact and deliver a high-quality, sustainable facility that meets the evolving needs of residents and businesses alike. As we begin works on site, our focus is on safety, efficiency and minimal disruption to our neighbours. We look forward to working closely with the council, our supply-chain partners and the wider stakeholders to make this vision become a reality for the people of 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 AME Centre will be at the heart of this growth and bolster Suffolk’s reputation as one of the leaders in advanced manufacturing.

Cllr Cliff Waterman, Leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “I am pleased to see the start of work on site for this new centre and look forward to seeing the state-of-the-art facility take shape, capitalising on our area’s existing strengths in advanced manufacturing and engineering and helping support an active network of businesses.

“This project is a fantastic example of partnership working and innovation, something we hope the centre will instil in future tenants. The council has worked with our partners to secure funding to bring the AME Centre to fruition and sought industry advice from the West Suffolk Manufacturing Group and Hethel Innovation to help shape this future-ready facility for new and developing companies.”

Funding for the centre is coming from West Suffolk Council and Enterprise Zone funding, endorsed by Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Business Board.

Mark Pendlington, Chair of the Suffolk Business Board, said: “This project marks a major step forward for Suffolk’s advanced manufacturing and engineering strengths. The AME Centre will give innovative businesses the space, facilities and confidence they need to grow, collaborate and create high value jobs for our communities. It is exactly the kind of investment that strengthens our economy for the long term.

“The Suffolk Business Board is proud to have worked with West Suffolk Council and other key partners to bring this project to life, and we look forward to seeing the new centre become a catalyst for even greater ambition and success across the sector.”

Cllr Richard Rout, Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and NSIPs for Suffolk County Council, said: “The AME Centre is a powerful example of Suffolk investing in its future. Advanced manufacturing and engineering are central to our county’s plans for high-quality jobs, low carbon growth and new opportunities for young people. This new facility will give businesses in Bury St Edmunds the space, infrastructure and confidence to innovate and expand their roots in Suffolk. It’s great to see work underway on a project that will strengthen our economy for years to come.”

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