Ten companies from the automobile component sector have joined the Automotive Intelligence Center (AIC), which is being built in Vizcaya at a cost of 42 million euros for its first phase.

These corporate applications have fully covered the capacity of the first phase before it is even ready to operate.

AIC is considering how a great research, development and innovation complex with public-private co-operation and with the co-operation between companies can define its strategic foundations. It has two headquarters, one in Amorebieta and the other in Ermua, both under construction, which will house modern laboratories, test workshops, training centres and company incubators. An estimated 200 people will be working at the Amorebieta centre, including own staff as well as research and technical personnel from other companies who will come to the centre to undertake projects or tests.

It is being promoted by the Provincial Council of Vizcaya and the Town Councils of Amorebieta and Ermua, due to the great important this sector has for the entire Basque economy - it represents 16.4% of Basque GDP and 41,000 jobs - and to the need for innovation that this market requires on a permanent basis.

Although it is still under construction, applications from companies have already covered the planned capacity of the first phase. Consequently, the AIC promoter has decided to consider extending it with a second phase, the investment for which still has to be defined.

Leading companies

To date, nine R+D units , seven technological development units and two training centres have committed their presence. Two training section has attracted two units, one of which is promoted by the professional training and occupational centre, Lea Artibai, and the other by the CIE Automotive training centre. Concerning R+D laboratories and technological development units, the companies that have reserved installations include CIE Automotive, Gestamp Automoción, Fersint and Cromoduro.

From June, the different infrastructures and laboratories will become operational on step-by-step basis.

For further information, please contact: coyunturaindustrial@spri.es

Source: ACICAE