The 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 attract investment and encourage Scotland to be identified as a global leader in advanced manufacturing.
The proposed 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 and Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), the only High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre in Scotland.
The application is now being considered by Renfrewshire Council.
Scortland's Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said: “Manufacturing is crucial to our economy and is a sector we want to see flourish in Scotland.
“This is a notable milestone for the NMIS facility and given the importance of responding to the global climate emergency, I am particularly pleased the facility will be energy carbon neutral and it is great that the facility will lead by example and demonstrate what is possible.
“NMIS will deliver benefits for businesses across Scotland well before the building is complete including through the existing capability available at the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre which adds to the wider support available from our enterprise agencies to help companies improve their productivity.”
Strathclyde’s Principal, Professor 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."
NMIS and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre, in which Strathclyde is lead research partner, will be the anchor institutions in the advanced manufacturing district. The district is benefitting from a £39 million investment to provide the enabling infrastructure, funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal. It is also home to the NMIS specialist technology centres.
