Plans approved for pioneering Scots manufacturing institute

Planning permission has been granted for the development of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) facility at the centre of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland in Renfrewshire.

An artist's impression of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland. Picture: Contributed

At around 1.5 times the size of Hampden football pitch, the facility will include a skills academy, a fully digitalised "factory of the future" and a collaboration hub.

The new facility will help support manufacturing and engineering firms of all sizes and from all sectors across the country, and internationally, to innovate and grow their businesses.

NMIS 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.

Sir Jim McDonald of the University of Strathclyde – the anchor university for NMIS – said: “This is a major step in the journey towards revitalising our industrial base and in re-establishing Scotland’s international reputation for manufacturing excellence.”

Ross Barrett, associate at Glasgow-based HLM Architects and lead on the NMIS design team, said: “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.”