Plans for new Scottish manufacturing institute submitted

A planning application for a new National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, located in Renfrewshire, will be at the centre of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS).

NMIS is a £65 million, industry-led international centre of manufacturing expertise led by the Scottish Government in partnership with its enterprise and skills agencies, University of Strathclyde and Renfrewshire Council.

Operated by Strathclyde, as a national facility for Scotland, it is where research, industry and the public sector work together to transform skills, productivity and innovation to attract investment and make Scotland a global leader in advanced manufacturing.

The new energy carbon neutral facility next to Glasgow Airport will include a skills academy, a fully digitalised factory of the future and collaboration hub for manufacturers of all sizes and from all sectors to work together with research partners and the public sector to innovate and grow their businesses.

NMIS also includes two specialist technology centres - the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre (LMC), which was opened earlier this year by the First Minister, and Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), the only High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre in Scotland.

The application will now be considered by Renfrewshire Council.

Strathclyde’s principal, Sir Jim McDonald, said: “It is great news that the plans for NMIS are progressing so quickly. Scotland has a vibrant manufacturing sector which is well placed for further innovation and growth. To achieve its fullest potential, it needs advanced facilities, resources and equipment, for use by highly qualified and skilled staff; NMIS will offer all of this.

“At Strathclyde – and across Scotland’s world-class universities - we have the drive, expertise and track record to support this highly collaborative venture and, with the NMIS partners, support the transformation of Scottish manufacturing.”

NMIS will be one of the anchor institutions in the advanced manufacturing district.

University of Strathclyde www.strath.ac.uk