Five Northern Ireland manufacturers are to invest almost £8m in robotic welding technology.

It is the first major collaboration directed by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC).

AMIC is part of the Belfast Region City Deal and aims to help local businesses embrace new technology and processes.

The five manufacturers are Hyster Yale, Terex, Nugent Trailers, Four Dee and Datum Design.

The project involves almost £5m of funding from Invest NI with the rest of the money coming from the businesses.

Sam Turner, the chief executive of AMIC said that while robotic welding was not new it was being used alongside digital technologies to maximise productivity.

“The project will help businesses design their products and processes for automated welding, improve quality and productivity and address the gap in availability of experienced skilled welders,” he added.

“Using open access equipment and facilities in AMIC, we are able to address common challenges and opportunities for the partner companies.”