A planning application has been submitted to Renfrewshire Council for the construction of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) — situated at the centre of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Glasgow.

NMIS is a £65 million industry-led international centre of manufacturing expertise, led by the Scottish government in partnership with its enterprise and skills agencies, the University of Strathclyde (www.strath.ac.uk) and Renfrewshire Council.

Operated by Strathclyde as a national facility for Scotland, it is where research, industry and the public sector will be able to work together to transform skills, productivity and innovation, attracting investment and making Scotland a global leader in advanced manufacturing.

The proposed new carbon-neutral facility next to Glasgow Airport will include a skills academy, a fully digitalised factory of the future and a collaboration hub for manufacturers of all sizes — and from all sectors — to work together with research partners and the public sector to innovate and to grow their businesses.

NMIS also includes two specialist technology centres — the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre, which was opened earlier this year by the First Minister, and Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre, which is the only High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre in Scotland.

Strathclyde’s principal, Jim McDonald, said: “It is great news that the plans for NMIS are progressing so quickly. Scotland has a vibrant manufacturing sector, which is well placed for further innovation and growth.

"To achieve its fullest potential, it needs advanced facilities, resources and equipment, for use by highly qualified and skilled staff — NMIS will offer all of this.

"At Strathclyde and across Scotland’s world-class universities, we have the drive, expertise and track record to support this highly collaborative venture and — with the NMIS partners — support the transformation of Scottish manufacturing.”