Plans to bring hundreds of jobs to Dundee Michelin site take step forward

Plans to move from making tyres to developing the technologies of the future at a key Dundee industrial site have taken a big step forward.

The Dundee tyre factory is due to close with the site being transformed into an innovation centre. The hope is that hundreds of jobs can be created as a result. Image: 7N Architects

It comes after Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) awarded business support organisation Elevator a key contract to run a new innovation accelerator.

Through a partnership with MSIP – a joint venture between Dundee City Council, Michelin and Scottish Enterprise – the deal will see Elevator expand its national accelerator offering with the launch of a specialist programme to support Scotland’s “net-zero” carbon ambitions.

The French tyre giant’s Dundee factory is due to close later this year with the site being transformed into an innovation centre. The hope is that hundreds of jobs can be created as a result.

The Sustainable Mobility and Low Carbon Innovation Accelerator, which forms part of a series of MSIP initiatives, has been designed to underpin Scotland’s response to the global climate emergency. Its aim is to support intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs who have developed product designs, prototypes or possess “investor ready solutions” focused on green projects.

John Reid, the chief executive of MSIP, said: “The launch of MSIP’s Sustainable Mobility and Low Carbon Innovation Accelerator marks a key milestone in building our world-class innovation park in Dundee.

“Our accelerator is a key part of MSIP’s innovation programme, that will offer access to space, support and networks, as well as collaboration opportunities with industry and academia located at MSIP.

“This very specific accelerator is a real opportunity for companies in this space, and I am confident that Elevator will deliver a programme that will achieve great results for those companies to scale up and grow.”

He added: “MSIP is going to bring long-lasting benefits to Dundee and Scotland and is a key part of Scotland’s response to the global climate emergency. This accelerator is one further step forward in delivering that ambition.”

A 16-week programme will provide participants with access to appropriate skills, knowledge, networks and advice. In addition – and for the first time – Elevator will engage the support of specialist sector delivery partners.

Elevator chief executive Gary McEwan said: “Through collaboration we have grown to become the largest provider of accelerator programmes in the country, augmenting the growth of Scotland’s business community.

“Our accelerator will act as a springboard for forward-thinking pioneers investing in zero emission transport solutions and zero carbon energy emissions to help drive diversification and growth – in not only Dundee and the Tay Cities Region, but Scotland wide.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director