FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled ambitious plans for an £8.9 million specialist manufacturing centre in Renfrewshire – to boost employment and the local economy.
The centre will develop new manufacturing processes for lightweight materials for the aerospace and automotive industries in the Scottish Government’s first step towards creating a National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland.
The major development at the Doosan Babcock site in Westway, Renfrew, was warmly welcomed by Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson.
Strathclyde University’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), based in Inchinnan, will run the facility in the area, which already boasts major manufacturer Rolls-Royce and further manufacturing research and development expertise through the University of the West of Scotland and West College Scotland.
Nicolson said: “Renfrewshire is already home to leaders in manufacturing and the announcement today to develop the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre is fantastic further investment in this sector and great news for the area.
“I’m sure it is a welcome boost for the aerospace manufacturing sector, with the centre being developed on the doorstep of Glasgow Airport, which continues to play a pivotal role in the Renfrewshire, Glasgow region and national economy.
“This announcement is recognition of the expertise and environment Renfrewshire provides and we are committed to enhancing this further, bringing more highly skilled job opportunities to Renfrewshire.
“This has been a key focus of our Glasgow Airport Investment Area project – part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal – to facilitate the creation of a world-class business and commercial location in the heart of Renfrewshire, connected by air, sea and land.
“It is a major project which will better link communities and provide the perfect environment for advanced manufacturing in Scotland to flourish.”
Sturgeon said the new centre would give Scottish companies a competitive edge in new manufacturing processes for lightweight materials such as titanium and carbon fibre, which are increasingly being used in the aerospace, automotive, oil and gas and renewables industries. Lightweight materials increase efficiency and performance and help reduce carbon emissions.
Speaking to an audience of 75 companies at the AFRC, Sturgeon said: “A vibrant and innovative manufacturing base is critical to Scotland’s economic success and to creating skilled employment opportunities for the future.
“The centre will help Scottish businesses take advantage of the fact that sectors such as aerospace and the automotive industry are making more and more use of lightweight materials. It will deliver cutting-edge research and development projects with and for companies in Scotland.
“Scotland enjoys resources few nations can match, including one of the most highly educated workforces in Europe, a long-standing reputation for excellence in innovation and engineering and an internationally regarded brand. We will continue to do all we can to support growth in the economy.”
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