The Factory 2050 project will be the UK’s first fully reconfigurable assembly and component research factory.

The advanced design means it will be capable of rapidly switching production between different high-value components and one-off parts.

Work will begin on site this month at the Sheffield Business Park with completion scheduled for Autumn 2015.

Factory 2050 will be the first building on a new Advanced Manufacturing Campus, which could result in the University of Sheffield building up to a million square feet of new research facilities on the site over the next seven to 10 years.

It will combine technologies including advanced robotics, flexible automation, unmanned workspace and off-line programming in virtual environments linked to plug-and-play robotics.

Other capabilities will include 3D printing from flexible automated systems, man-machine interfaces along with new programming and training tools.

John Gittins, Yorkshire divisional director of Interserve said: “This isn’t just another project for Interserve, it is the opportunity to work on a truly world class project that will help to ensure the region remains at the forefront of the advanced manufacturing sector.

“The building design is unique and the completed project will provide a superb environment for both researchers and engineers.

“During the construction phase we will adopt a considerate approach as always to minimise disruption and keep all stakeholders updated in respect of project progress.

“We will also develop a bespoke plan to maximise local small and medium enterprise involvement and generate as many employment and training opportunities as possible to provide a real legacy for the surrounding area.”