Manchester-based Graphene Innovations Manchester (GIM) has opened a new factory in Trafford Park, which the company says marks a significant step from research and development to manufacturing and commercialisation.
Bev Craig OBE, Mayor of Greater Manchester, officially opened the factory on Tuesday.
GIM’s Advanced Materials Platform uses graphene and other nanomaterials, together with AI and robotics, to develop products for construction, energy, aerospace and other demanding industries.
The new factory brings research, engineering, manufacturing and global sales and exports under one roof.
It will also be used as a training ground for international licensing and joint venture partners.
Guests saw GIM’s products up close, from GIM Concrete to GIM Composite lamp posts and GIM Graphene fibre, through showcases and live demonstrations.
Mayor Bev Craig, Dame Nancy Rothwell, Prof Luke Georghiou and local school students worked together to make sustainable GIM Concrete.
The company was founded by University of Manchester alumnus Dr Vivek Koncherry, who won the 2021 Eli and Britt Harari Graphene Enterprise Award.
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Dr Koncherry said: “Scientific discovery creates possibilities, but manufacturing is how we turn those possibilities into something people can use. This factory is an important step in that journey for GIM.
“Manchester is where our story began, and the support of its research, business and wider innovation community has helped us reach this point.”
The factory is said to provide a step towards fulfilling the 2035 Greater Manchester Innovation Plan, which sets out a vision to make the city-region a global leader in innovation.
Craig said: “Greater Manchester has always been a place where ideas become industry, and GIM’s new facility is a brilliant example of that continuing today.”
Joe Manning, Managing Director of Invest Manchester, said: “Our strength in advanced materials, alongside our talent, universities and manufacturing heritage, gives businesses the foundations they need to scale here and compete in global markets.”
Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome this new facility to Trafford Park as part of a wider and very exciting picture of investment and innovation in the area.”