A new centre designed to support process manufacturing industries with next-generation technologies is officially opening in North Ayrshire today.
The Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DMPC) aims to stimulate economic growth and help position the region as a leader in smart manufacturing and digital skills.
Part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) it will give process manufacturing businesses access to digital and data driven manufacturing expertise, enabling them to innovate and adopt new technology in a low-risk environment.
Artificial intelligence, robotics, digital data management, and virtual and augmented reality are among the tools that will be available to trial at the centre.
Located within the Booth Welsh manufacturing space at i3 in Irvine, the DPMC aims to accelerate the adoption of digital technology for process industry manufacturers to help cut energy costs and achieve net zero by becoming more aware, predictive, and productive. The facility will offer access to safe testing areas, collaboration zones, and flexible manufacturing space for prototyping new techniques and processes. 5G connectivity will also be a core focus at the centre.
Chris Courtney, CEO of NMIS, said: “The DPMC will be a valuable hub for process manufacturing businesses to explore digital technologies and access the wider capabilities of the NMIS group and our partners.
“Development and implementation of digital technologies can lead to increased productivity, reduced energy costs, an overall lower carbon footprint and improved competitiveness for manufacturers. At NMIS, as the innovation and skills partner of choice for many manufacturing businesses across multiple sectors, we support smaller businesses in the adoption of new data-driven processes and tools by providing a set of leading-edge test beds, access to expertise and support to upskill their teams.”
The DPMC facility is funded in part through the £251 million Ayrshire Growth Deal, which includes £103 million from UK Government, a further £103 million from Scottish Government and £45.5 million from council partners, as well as Scottish Enterprise, the University of Strathclyde as the operator of NMIS, and CPI, and will be supported by ongoing membership income. It is a pilot initiative for a larger, permanent facility in the region.
Kirsty McNeill, UK Government Scotland Office Minister, said: “It was fantastic to see the first phase of the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre in action. The next stage of the Ayrshire Growth Deal project will see local partners use £5 million UK Government investment to build a permanent facility in the area.
“The UK Government is focused on delivering our Plan for Change to turbo-charge economic growth and bring a decade of national renewal and opportunity for all. Pioneering facilities like this are testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal. I encourage stakeholders, business leaders, educators, and policymakers to seize this opportunity, engage with the resources available here, and contribute to shaping a vibrant, sustainable future for manufacturing in Scotland and the UK.”