Wrexham University has officially opened its new engineering building, CanfodAu – Canolfan Peirianneg ac Arloesi (Centre for Engineering and Innovation).
The building sets out to consolidate the university’s vision of becoming a world-leading, modern civic university and North Wales’ position as a hub for advanced, high-value manufacturing through fostering innovation and sustainability through close collaboration between academia and industry.
Work officially started on the centre in February 2024, and it has now been officially opened by Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership.
A Wrexham University alumni, Mr Sargeant gained a degree in Industrial Engineering while on day release from his industry job at the time.
The project, made possible by investment from Ambition North Wales through the North Wales Growth Deal – which is funded by both UK and Welsh Governments – is focused on delivering a wide range of measurable outputs, outcomes, and long-term benefits for North Wales by 2036. These include the creation of up to 94 new jobs, generation of £88 million in additional gross value added, and substantial investment in collaborative research and development, high value manufacturing skills development, and low carbon innovation.
Aligning with the strategic ambitions of a smarter and more resilient North Wales, the building’s core activity aims to bring commercial value from research and development by equipping local businesses and enterprises with the tools, expertise, and infrastructure needed to compete globally in the evolving landscape.
CanfodAu focuses on advanced manufacturing, composite materials, integration with optics, and hydrogen technologies, enabling the co-creation of new products and processes that accelerate decarbonisation and industrial transformation.
The building is home to:
- A composite materials and testing laboratory: Focused on advanced lightweight materials for engineering and manufacturing.
- Electrical propulsion laboratory: A centre of excellence for sustainable propulsion and home to Wrexham University’s FAST Fan project, featuring dedicated cleanroom and workshop spaces for developing low-carbon aerospace and marine technologies.
- Automation systems laboratory: Specialising in industrial automation, robotics, and digital twinning, supporting research, commercial training, and workforce upskilling.
- Zero carbon laboratory: Advancing hydrogen energy, renewables, and decarbonisation through research-grade solar, wind, and hydro systems, acting as a regional hub for green innovation.
- Digital fabrication and additive manufacturing laboratory: Providing 3D printing, scanning, and additive manufacturing capabilities.
- Digital design and simulation laboratory: Exploring 5G/6G communications, wireless systems, and AI-driven RF and antenna design.
- Applied electromagnetics and radio frequency laboratory: The region’s only secure facility for high-frequency and electromagnetic testing.
Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, said:
“The opening of CanfodAu marks a defining moment our university’s journey towards our 2030 vision of being a world-leading, modern civic university, which drives innovation, opportunity and sustainable growth for our region and beyond.
“This centre embodies our commitment to collaboration between academia and industry, enabling research skills development that address real-world challenges. By fostering cutting-edge work in advanced manufacturing, hydrogen technologies and renewable energy, CanfodAu will not only strengthen North Wales’ position as a hub for high-value innovation but also empower our communities to thrive in a smarter, greener and more resilience future.
“Now, with CanfodAu open and operational, the project enters a pivotal phase where its full potential to drive innovation and inclusive growth can truly accelerate.”
Cllr Mark Pritchard, Chair, Ambition North Wales and Leader, Wrexham County Borough Council, said:
“CanfodAU is a pioneering project, which really demonstrates how Ambition North Wales and the Growth Deal are delivering for the region – promoting research, building on our regional strengths in sectors such as manufacturing and creating new high-value jobs. The positive impact of CanfodAU will be significant for businesses in North Wales, now and into the future.”
Minister for Skills, Jack Sargeant, said:
“The CanfodAu facility represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment Wales needs to build a prosperous, sustainable future. As a proud Wrexham University alumni myself, I've seen first-hand how this institution transforms lives and drives opportunity across our region. It's an investment in our people, our industries, and our planet.
“This state-of-the-art centre will be instrumental in developing the high-value manufacturing and green technology skills that are essential for our economy. Through the North Wales Growth Deal, we're backing facilities like CanfodAu that don't just create jobs – they create careers in the industries of tomorrow, from hydrogen technologies to advanced composites. By bringing together world-class research facilities with industry partnerships, CanfodAu will help position North Wales as a leader in sustainable manufacturing and innovation, ensuring our communities have access to well-paid, skilled employment.”
Wales Office Minister Anna McMorrin said:
“The UK Government has economic growth as its number one mission and we are building on Wales’s strengths in growth sectors like advanced manufacturing to create skilled and well-paid jobs.
“CanfodAu is a brilliant new facility that brings cutting-edge technology, world-class research capabilities, and industry collaboration under one roof. Our investment in this centre, via the North Wales Growth Deal, embodies our approach of creating the right conditions for investment and innovation to flourish.”
Wynne Construction Managing Director Chris Wynne said:
“I’m immensely proud of our team for delivering this flagship facility for Wrexham University. From design through to handover, our close collaboration with the University has been central to the project’s success.
“This development reflects Wynne Construction’s commitment to meeting client specifications, delivering high-quality buildings, and creating lasting community impact. We’re particularly proud to have achieved a 30.5% net gain in campus biodiversity and exceeded our social value targets by delivering 114%, with a strong focus on supporting areas of high deprivation identified by the university.”
