Green light for new University of Strathclyde manufacturing research facility

The University of Strathclyde has just announced that planning permission has officially been granted for the development of a new state-of-the-art facility that will bring industries, academia and the public sector together to advance Scotland’s manufacturing processes. 

Named the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) facility, it will be located at the Netherton Campus at the centre of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire. 

The development of this new facility was approved by the Renfrewshire Council’s planning authority. The building will be carbon-neutral and will feature a distinctive heather coloured exterior. It is expected to be 1.5 times the size of the Hampden football pitch. 

The new NMIS facility will include a skills academy, a fully digitised factory of the future, and a collaboration hub. NMIS will help support manufacturing and engineering firms of all sizes and from various local and international sectors to innovate and grow. 

The facility comprises of a group of industry-led manufacturing research and development facilities where industry, academia and the public sector can collaborate on ground-breaking research and transform productivity levels. It will also ensure companies gain a competitive edge in the industry and boost relevant skills within the current and future workforce. 

Operated by the University of Strathclyde, NMIS is also supported by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Funding Council, and the 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,” said Scotland Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop. 

 “NMIS will be an international centre of expertise where research, industry and the public sector will work together to make Scotland a global leader in advanced manufacturing and attract investment.”

“This is a major step in the journey towards revitalising our industrial base and in re-establishing Scotland’s international reputation for manufacturing excellence,” said University of Strathclyde Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Jim McDonald. 

“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.”

The new facility, together with the NMIS specialist technology centres which include the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre and Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre, the only High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre in Scotland, are key facilities in the manufacturing innovation district that is currently being developed next to Glasgow Airport. 

Meanwhile, the Netherton Campus will also be home to the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre. 

“This new facility will provide an inspiring and supportive environment for manufacturing firms in Scotland to thrive,” said Glasgow-based HLM Architects associate Ross Barett. 

“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.”