A NEW 'agri-tech' innovation centre has opened at Dorset Innovation Park thanks to a £1.9m investment, creating jobs.

The Agri-Tech Innovation Centre has opened at the Wool Enterprise Zone park, following nearly £2m of investment from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and draperVENT, an air conditioning system supplier.

The new 1,720 square metre facility will host research and innovation to advance automated livestock farming systems to achieve higher levels of animal welfare and sustainability.

By 2025, Dorset LEP and draperVENT hope to safeguard 18 jobs and create 20 jobs.

Sara Uzzell, Dorset LEP deputy chair, said: “Dorset’s agri-tech sector is worth over £108 million and has been identified as a high growth sector.

"The facilities at the Agri-tech Innovation Centre will place draperVENT at the forefront of ventilation innovation."

An apprenticeship programme will be created to encourage young people into the agri-tech sector. The innovation centre will provide space for education, training, research, product testing and demonstrations.

Paul Draper, managing director of the draperGROUP, the parent company of draperVENT, said: "After much planning and construction work, we are delighted to open our Agri-tech Innovation Centre.

"We are especially excited to have a workplace where our 32 staff can meet face to face and utilise the space and equipment incorporated into this centre.

"Dorset is the perfect place to take draperVENT to the next level because of the drive and determination to see agri-tech businesses succeed in the region.

"The Dorset Innovation Park plot provides us with an opportunity to develop, test, promote, store, and distribute our products while we benefit from reduced business rates thanks to it holding Enterprise Zone status.

"There is also the opportunity for us to collaborate with other innovative on-site businesses."

The agri-tech project incorporates a £70,400 grant to draperVENT from Low Carbon Dorset, which is run by Dorset Council and the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to help businesses in the county improve energy efficiency and incorporate renewable energy.

Roughly £176,000 of the total project cost has been used to install rooftop solar panels, a ground source heat pump, underfloor heating and LED lighting to the innovation centre. Four electrical vehicle charging points have also been added to the plot.

For more information, visit the Dorset LEP website.