Renfrewshire Council’s planning authority gave the green light to plans for the brand new carbon-neutral building, which comes complete with a distinctive heather-coloured façade. At around 1.5 times the size of a football pitch, the facility will include a skills academy, a fully digitalised factory of the future and a collaboration hub. The new site will help support manufacturing and engineering firms of all sizes, from all sectors across the country, and internationally, to innovate and grow their businesses.
NMIS is a group of industry-led manufacturing research and development facilities where industry, academia and the public sector work together on ground-breaking manufacturing research to transform productivity levels, make companies more competitive and boost skills. The NMIS is operated by the University of Strathclyde and supported by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Funding Council and Renfrewshire Council.
Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop says: “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. 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.”
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, adds: “This is a major step in the journey towards revitalising our industrial base and re-establishing Scotland’s international reputation for manufacturing excellence.”
Says Renfrewshire council leader Iain Nicolson: “This is an important milestone in the development of the NMIS and I’m delighted that it is being built in Renfrewshire, recognising the rich manufacturing heritage of the region and the continued contribution we make: the area generates more than £1 billion in exports and employs more than 9,000 people. Work is well underway on the development of AMIDS, and NMIS will play a key role in its success, attracting manufacturers to locate here, collaborate and tap into the latest technologies and cutting-edge research.”
Construction is currently in progress on the enabling infrastructure for AMIDS, funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.
Ross Barrett, associate at Glasgow-based HLM Architects, and lead on the NMIS design team says: “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 for learning, collaboration and innovation, but is also a landmark in its architecture and an exemplar in carbon-neutral design.”
