£9m centre ‘will boost economy’
First Minister delighted to open new facility at Doosan Babcock
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was in Renfrew yesterday to officially open a £9 million centre that aims to help companies benefit from lightweight manufacturing technology.
The facility at Doosan Babcock will develop lighter, more efficient, components for high- value industries, including automotive and aerospace. It also has the potential to benefit other enterprises looking to replace traditional manufacturing methods with the next generation of materials.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Our ambition is to build on Scotland’s long history of innovation and to be seen as modern inventors and producers, rather than just consumers of goods.
“It is really important as technology rapidly advances, that our economy must follow suit.
“This world-class centre will help us do just that, as the first stage of our new National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
“Businesses across Scotland will benefit from access to state-of-theart equipment and opportunities for collaboration and research and development. The opportunities that stem from lightweight manufacturing will help increase their competitiveness.”
The centre, operated by the University of Strathclyde, is the first stage of establishing the £ 65 million National Manufacturing Institute Scotland that aims to make Scotland a global leader in advanced manufacturing.
Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay said: “This is fantastic for Renfrewshire and is something
Measures to change public attitudes in Paisley and across Scotland to equality and rights, improve access to justice, and funding for work to promote equality within the media industry are to be taken forward by the Scottish Government.
In a response to the first report from the National Advisory Council on Women and Girls, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed proposals for a What Works? Gender Institute to we should all be proud of.
“World leading technology on our doorsteps, bringing jobs and investment opportunities to the area.
“The eyes of the world will be on Renfrewshire for innovation ideas.”
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said he was delighted to see the centre officially open.
“I’m excited by the benefits it can offer to manufacturers big and small,” he added.
“Every business is looking for that competitive edge while also recognising the importance of reducing their impact on the environment.
“I look forward to seeing local businesses benefiting from its expertise over the coming years.”
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal of the University of Strathclyde, said lightweighting
identify and promote best practice will be developed.
The Scottish Government is to establish a taskforce to look at gender equality in education and take forward existing work to improve access to justice for women and girls.
Ministers is to continue to lobby the UK government to take action to improve parental leave and support measures to encourage 50/50 representation at elections. technology holds huge promise for a wide range of sectors, from making aircraft and vehicles lighter and more energy efficient, to improving renewable energy technology performance, and developing the next generation of materials for health care.
“The new centre provides the skills and services needed to place Scottish industry at the forefront of lightweight manufacturing, helping companies of all sizes compete globally,” he explained.
“Today’s launch marks an important milestone in Scotland’s innovation journey, and we look forward to working side- by-side with businesses around the country.”
Thee centre has been funded by the Scottish Government to the tune of £3.9 million, Scottish Enterprise gave £3.4 million. and University of Strathclyde contributed £1.6 million.
Renfrewshire Council has thanked everyone who took part in its Local Development Plan consultation.
Around 1,500 residents, community groups, businesses, landowners and organisations had their say.
The local authority says it will consider peoples’ views before submitting its plan to the Scottish Government later this year.
The Renfrewshire Local Development Plan Proposed Plan was approved for consultation by the Communities, Housing and Planning Board in March.
It was published for a 12-week public consultation ending on June 10.