The Manchester Graphene Innovation Center has entered into a contract to produce industrial-grade graphene-enhanced carbon fiber in Saudi Arabia. This initiative includes the establishment of a factory in the country aimed at supporting Saudi Arabia's plans for environmentally sustainable cities.
Reports indicate that the agreement will involve an investment of approximately £250 million to create a research and innovation center in Manchester, generating over 1,000 jobs in the city. Vivek Conchery, a manager at the Manchester Graphene Innovation Center, stated that the production of such materials has the potential to transform various aspects of daily life.
Conchery noted that the first machinery for producing this material has already been operational, with the factory expected to commence operations by the end of 2025. He emphasized the urgency of developing products that can address global challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and plastic pollution.
The Manchester Graphene Innovation Center aims to establish the first graphene-enhanced carbon fiber production facility in the UK by 2026. Professor James Baker from the University of Manchester's Graphene Engineering Innovation Center views this deal as a significant advancement for the center.