The University has joined forces with the University of Derby, the Manufacturing Technology Centre and Infinity Technology Group Ltd to establish INFINITY, which will deliver the UK capability and capacity needed by strategic programmes to power, defend and mobilise the nation. Its technologies will be of international significance, helping place the UK at the forefront of advanced component manufacturing.
A joint venture agreement has now been signed by the four partners, marking a major milestone for the project and enabling it to move into its next stage of development and investment.
As part of the agreement, Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Loughborough University, has been appointed as a director of Infinity Technology Group Ltd, alongside Professor Gary Jones, Gregg Smith and Susan Ambler. The company will trade as INFINITY.
James Fussell, University Secretary at the University of Derby, has been appointed Company Secretary.
INFINITY will create highly specialised capability for the research, development and manufacture of essential parts at a 200-acre site at Infinity Park Derby. Situated within the East Midlands Investment Zone, planned infrastructure links will support the development of a host of buildings onsite, all located close to the existing Nuclear Skills Academy.
INFINITY will support 2,500+ skilled jobs, 15,000+ indirect jobs, and see 1,500+ trainees per year go through its Infinity Skills Pillar. It is also strategically linked to wider development of more than 4,000 new homes, a new school and an improved A50 junction. The project supports key UK Government strategic objectives.
Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Loughborough University, said: “By bringing together research, industry and advanced manufacturing at scale, we can accelerate the journey from discovery through to deployment, while creating high-value jobs, developing the skilled workforce of the future and strengthening the East Midlands as a globally significant centre for advanced manufacturing and clean energy technology.
“For Loughborough, this partnership reflects exactly the kind of ambitious, collaborative innovation we want to support. It connects our research strengths directly with industry, creating new opportunities for our people and partners, and contributing directly to the UK’s long-term economic growth, resilience and sovereign capability.”
Professor Gary Jones, Chief Executive Officer, INFINITY, said: “This agreement is a key step in a novel and transformational project bringing local impact, regional development, national significance and international renown. I’m looking forward to working with industry Primes and SMEs in developing a technology park of strategic value.
“The INFINITY programme supports UK Government strategies for growth in industrial capability, offering game-changing technologies, and I’m excited to be leading the business and working with Directors to deliver amazing capabilities right here in the East Midlands.”
Susan Ambler, Chief Financial and Infrastructure Officer, University of Derby, said: “The University of Derby is delighted to be part of this exciting partnership, which will strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, enhance skills development, and support research and innovation in new and emerging technologies, essential to the advancement of the advanced manufacturing and clean energy sector.
“Aligned with the University’s commitment to social mobility through regional and national growth, Infinity will create new opportunities for collaboration, investment and innovation, delivering lasting benefits in the EMCCA region for businesses, communities and the wider UK economy.”
Gregg Smith, Chief Financial Officer, Manufacturing Technology Centre, said: “Our investment in this joint venture confirms our commitment to developing the next generation of production methods for advanced manufacturing, bringing together world-class expertise in research, innovation and industrial application.
“By working with partners, we can unleash the region's potential to become a key player in frontier industries aligned with the Government's Modern Industrial Strategy, create high-value jobs, and strengthen the UK's global industrial competitiveness.”
With the joint venture agreement signed, INFINITY now moves forward to raising investment required to fund a project estimated to ultimately cost around £400m. Directors aim to start development of the first phase of building in 2027, with the site being fully operational in the 2030s.