The facility, funded by a £20m Welsh Government grant and £10m from project partners, will work with the aerospace, automotive, nuclear and food sectors.

Broughton-based Airbus with be the first tenants, and will use the centre to design new wing technology.

The investment will help safeguard thousands of jobs up to 2030, Economy Secretary Ken Skates said.

Mr Skates said "in light of the uncertainties" following Brexit, it was more important than ever to "support innovation and competitiveness."

He said the centre would be a "catalyst" for growth and jobs in Deeside, and the Northern Powerhouse region of north Wales and England.

"The world-class facilities provided at the institute will deliver these benefits to large and small businesses and offer a significant asset in terms of securing new investment," he added.

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Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns said it was "great news" and "demonstrates Wales is open for business."

"Global aviation leaders like Airbus continue to invest heavily in the talent and skills available in north east Wales," he said.

The centre will be split between a proposed 4,500 sq m hub in Broughton, and a business development and advice facility near Deeside industrial park.