Wrexham University to build EEOC for optics, photonics and composites

Construction has begun and will continue throughout 2024 for Wrexham University’s (Wrexham, Wales) new Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre (EEOC). The project, which will be delivered across two university sites — the OpTIC Technology Centre at St Asaph, Wales, and the Plas Coch campus in Wrexham — will provide a specialist center for R&D, business collaboration and skills development in optics, photonics and composites as lightweight alternatives for manufacturing. The EEOC will also integrate hydrogen as a substitute fuel source contributing to sustainable practices in industry. The facility is scheduled to open by autumn 2025.

A key part of the EEOC project is to attract investment to North Wales and create local employment, with 70-90 new jobs projected and more than 1,000 people trained to deliver innovative solutions for the future. The project forms part of Wrexham University’s £80 million Campus 2025 strategy, dedicated to improving university campuses, ensuring that students have access to best facilities and learning environments.

“The urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and waste from manufacturing is well known, as are the potential cost and efficiency benefits,” says Professor Maria Hinfelaar, vice-chancellor at Wrexham University. “However, as ever-changing technology can be confusing for many, the Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre aims to provide the facilities and researchers from the university which will help and support businesses to develop and implement the best solutions.”

For related content, read “U.K. academics head up flat fiber sensor research for composites.”