By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Nottinghamshire businesses have a ‘real hunger’ for automation, council leaders say ahead of construction for a nationally-recognised facility.
The multi-million-pound Advance Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC) in Kirkby-in-Ashfield will support businesses adopting this technology.
It’s hoped it will create highly-skilled jobs and help companies of all sizes to grow.
There will be spaces for research and development, prototyping and showcasing technology, as well as education and training.
The Ashfield District Council project has been secured through its Towns Fund Deal.
Construction will begin later this year on Lowmoor Road, and the facility is expected to open in early 2026.
Business community members heard about the potential at a showcase held at the nearby headquarters of fabric company Romo, which recently built its own automated factory.
Councillor Matt Relf (Ash Ind), executive leader member for growth, regeneration and local planning at the council, said automation didn’t have to mean job losses.
“There’s a real opportunity to grow jobs and make businesses more profitable so they can employ more people – but we have to do it right,” he said.
“We’re going to be the only centre in the UK focused on logistics automation as well as manufacturing.
“You only need to see the amount of attendees here – there’s a real hunger and interest in it. It’s about taking people away from mundane tasks so they can focus on things of value instead.”
The 3,000 square metre facility will likely be the first piece of a wider business park.
Felicity Mould, Director of People, Culture and Communication at the family-owned Romo company, said the ADMC would help other businesses follow in their footsteps.
“It would have been useful in allowing our staff to see working models and get familiar with it. Until they see and try it, it’s a big unknown,” she said.
“We now have a whole very skilled maintenance department we never had before.
“It’s been a gradual process, and we’ve not had to make any redundancies as we’ve increased efficiency.
“Where people have retired, we’ve not had to replace in the short term, but as we grow we will be looking to recruit again.”
Nottingham Trent University and West Notts College will deliver courses and training for the workforce of the future.
Patrick Barber, principal lecturer in general engineering at NTU said: “There’s a lot of opportunities in automation, both in the Mansfield-Ashfield area and across the East Midlands, whether it’s in aerospace, automotives or healthcare.
“The ADMC will provide training with the latest equipment, which NTU and West Notts College will deliver.
“There are very few alternatives currently. This will be hub throughout the UK.”
