PLANNING permission has been obtained for the construction of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) facility near Glasgow Airport.
Situated on Netherton Campus at the centre of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire, the facility has been tipped to ‘transform’ manufacturing in Scotland.
Renfrewshire Council’s planning authority approved plans for the new energy carbon neutral building, which comes complete with a heather coloured façade.
The building will include a skills academy, digitalised factory of the future and a collaboration hub.
NMIS is a group of industry-led manufacturing research and development facilities where industry, academia and the public sector work together on research projects. It is operated by the University of Strathclyde and supported by Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Funding Council and Renfrewshire Council.
Scotland’s economy secretary Fiona Hyslop said, “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 added, “This is a major step in the journey towards revitalising our industrial base and in re-establishing Scotland’s international reputation for manufacturing excellence. The University of Strathclyde is proud to be the anchor university for NMIS and we look forward to working with industry partners to bring our world-class expertise and research to support skills development and economic growth.”
Ross Barrett, associate at HLM Architects, and lead on the NMIS design team said, “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 and environments for learning, collaboration and innovation, but is also a landmark in its architecture and an exemplar in carbon neutral design.”
