Rolls-Royce manufacturing leader Neil Mantle appointed to NMIS board

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), based at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire, has appointed Rolls-Royce executive Neil Mantle to its board.

Neil, who is Group Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Materials at Rolls-Royce, brings decades of experience in aerospace, defence, nuclear and power systems. Rolls-Royce itself has a long-standing presence in Renfrewshire with its Inchinnan facility, employing hundreds of staff in advanced manufacturing.

A former Chair of the Advisory Board for the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre – NMIS’s founding centre – Neil has also worked with UK and international capability centres, sat on the Made Smarter Commission, and is a strong advocate for innovation, skills development and building supply chains.

Photo: Neil Mantle, Rolls-Royce executive and new board member of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, which is based at AMIDS in Renfrewshire

Neil said he was “honoured” to join the board at such a crucial time: “NMIS plays a vital role in helping industry respond to challenges such as sustainability, productivity, and skills. I look forward to working with colleagues to deliver meaningful outcomes for businesses and the wider economy.”

Professor Sir Jim McDonald GBE, Chair of the NMIS Board, welcomed the appointment, highlighting Neil’s “exceptional track record in manufacturing engineering and materials at the highest level.”

Chris Courtney, CEO of NMIS, added: “Rolls-Royce have been a key partner for NMIS, and Neil has worked closely with us over an extended period. He has been a passionate advocate for innovation, skills and building supply chains and will bring industrial insight and challenge to the NMIS executive team.”

Operated by the University of Strathclyde and part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, NMIS supports manufacturers of all sizes to innovate, grow and connect with leading academic capability and industry-scale facilities.

The NMIS campus at AMIDS has been backed by Renfrewshire Council as a major driver of jobs, skills and investment, with the addition of a senior Rolls-Royce figure seen as further strengthening local industry links.

Headline Photo Credit: AMIDS