The Lightweight Manufacturing Centre opening in Renfrewshire represents “a significant step in our ambitions to be the beating heart of modern Scottish manufacturing”.
That’s according to Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson who joined First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the official centre opening yesterday.
The centre is the first phase of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) which is being built in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS).
Photo: Bob Grant, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive and Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson
Based in the Doosan Babcock facilities at Westway Park and run by the University of Strathclyde, the centre helps manufacturing companies to benefit from lightweighting technology.
Lightweighting is already adopted in the high-value automotive and aerospace industries, developing lighter components that provide a range of benefits including improved speed, increased strength, reduced costs and greater sustainability.
“I’m delighted to see the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre officially open and I’m excited by the benefits it can offer to manufacturers big and small,” said Councillor Nicolson.
“Every business is looking for that competitive edge while also recognising the importance of reducing their impact on the environment and I look forward to seeing local businesses benefiting from its expertise over the coming years.”
Photo: William Murray of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company
In partnership with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, Renfrewshire Council is leading development of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland.
Work starts this summer on the enabling infrastructure to transform a 52-hectare site next to Glasgow Airport into a hub for manufacturing innovation, home to NMIS and a £56million Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
Councillor Nicolson added: “There are already 9000 manufacturing jobs in Renfrewshire and it accounts for more than 20% of our economic output. There’s great potential to grow this even further and the Lightweight Centre opening is a significant step in our ambitions to be the beating heart of modern Scottish manufacturing.
“We have always been a place rich in creativity and innovation and look forward to supporting the development of these major investments, ensuring they bring jobs and opportunities to everyone in Renfrewshire.”
Photo: Gary Jamieson and Andy Russell (Operations Manager) of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said: “Our ambition is to build on Scotland’s long history of innovation and to be seen as modern inventors and producers, rather than just consumers of goods. It is really important as technology rapidly advances, that our economy must follow suit.
“This world-class centre will help us do just that, as the first stage of our new National Manufacturing Institute Scotland. Businesses across Scotland will benefit from access to state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for collaboration and research and development. The opportunities that stem from lightweight manufacturing will help increase their competitiveness.”
Photo: Nicola Sturgeon opening the centrePhoto Credit: Gavin Newlands MP/Facebook
Gavin Newlands, the areas MP, said: “The Centre will focus on the manufacturing of lightweight components for a range of industries in which lighter weight materials offer significant benefits.
“It provides the skills and services required to place Scottish industry at the forefront of lightweight manufacturing, helping companies of all sizes compete globally at the highest level. In addition it will revolutionise the way Scottish industry interacts with high-value manufacturers across the world including aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, oil & gas, and marine markets.
“Although I am disappointed not to be able to attend today I am delighted that this facility is in Renfrewshire as part of Westway Park a stones throw from my constituency office.”