£9m plant is unveiled Manufacturing centre will supply aircraft and car industries
Plans for a £ 9 million manufacturing plant were unveiled by Scotland’s First Minister yesterday.
The specialist centre in Renfrew will manufacture lightweight materials for aircrafts and the car industry.
Nicola Sturgeon announced that the £8.9 million Lightweight Manufacturing Centre will be created in the former Doosan Babcock facility in Westway.
It will be run by the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) in Inchinnan.
Speaking in Renfrewshire yesterday, the First Minister said: “A vibrant and innovative manufacturing base is critical to Scotland’s economic success and to creating skilled employment opportunities for the future.
“The Lightweight Manufacturing 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 internationallyregarded brand.”
Funding for the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre will consist of £ 3.9million from the Scottish Government, £3.4million from Scottish Enterprise and £ 1.6million from the Advanced Forming Research Centre.
Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson last night welcomed the investment in the area. He 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 R e n f re w s h i re prov i d e s 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.”
The National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland will equip manufacturers to compete in future international markets and support the transformation of Scotland’s manufacturing industry in terms of innovation and digital opportunities, creating sustainable, highvalue and highly skilled jobs.
Andrew Colquhoun, CEO Doosan Babcock, added: “Doosan Babcock are honoured that this facility will be located within the Renfrew site, and look forward to supporting the initiative and strengthening our links with both AFRC and Strathclyde University.”