Construction begins for National Manufacturing Institute Scotland facility

 

Planning permission has been granted for the development of a National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) facility, situated at the center of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire. Composites R&D is expected to be among research done at the facility.

Renfrewshire Council’s planning authority approved plans for the brand-new, energy carbon neutral building. The facility will include a skills academy, a fully digitalized factory of the future and a collaboration hub, and will help support manufacturing and engineering firms of all sizes from various sectors.

NMIS is a group of industry-led manufacturing research and development facilities where industry, academia and the public sector work together on  manufacturing research to transform productivity levels, make companies more competitive and boost workforce skills. It is operated by the University of Strathclyde and supported by Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Funding Council and Renfrewshire Council.

“Securing planning permission is a significant milestone for NMIS. It paves the way to start construction of the new facilities, which will deliver the research, support and skills to help manufacturers unlock opportunities in emerging digital technologies and processes,” says Fiona Hyslop, economy secretary. “NMIS will be an international center of expertise where research, industry and the public sector will work together to make Scotland a global leader in advanced manufacturing and attract investment.”

“The University of Strathclyde is proud to be the anchor university for NMIS and we look forward to working with industry partners to bring our world-class expertise and research to support skills development and economic growth,” says Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde.

Construction is reported to be underway on the district’s enabling infrastructure, funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

“This new facility will provide an inspiring and supportive environment for manufacturing firms in Scotland to thrive. It not only offers a variety of different spaces and environments for learning, collaboration and innovation, but is also a landmark in its architecture and an exemplar in carbon neutral design,” says Ross Barrett, associate at Glasgow-based HLM Architects, and lead on the NMIS design team.

The planning application for NMIS was submitted in November 2019.