WIREDGOV

Action plan to boost manufacturing launched.

The establishment of a joint Centre of Excellence for Manufacturing and Skills Academy is set to be announced by the First Minister later today.

The Centre, which will act as a hub for continuous innovation to ensure Scotland remains a sustainable and competitive place to do business, will form part of a new action plan to boost manufacturing.

A Manufacturing Future for Scotland – a Programme for Government commitment – will outline how government will work with industry and higher and further education institutions to deliver new initiatives that stimulate innovation, improve productivity and increase investment in the Scottish manufacturing sector in order that it can better compete globally.

This will include the establishment of a new joint Centre for Manufacturing Excellence and Skills Academy to provide businesses with access to expert services, advanced demonstrator facilities and training programmes focused on innovative manufacturing. It will also help to address anticipated demand for skills by promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and improving engagement between industry and education.

Working to achieve a sustainable future for manufacturing in Scotland, the Scottish Government, Enterprise Agencies and other public bodies will also;

• Assist companies to assess the benefits of investing in advanced manufacturing technologies and equipment 
• Create momentum for more industry-led innovation and encourage and support more manufacturing businesses to invest in product, process, service and workplace innovation 
• Support manufacturing SMEs to keep pace with technology and process development by working in partnership with industry to deliver a Smarter Manufacturing Excellence Programme

Speaking ahead of a visit to Glenhead Engineering in Clydebank later today, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“There should be no doubt about the importance of our manufacturing industry - which employs around 190,000 people in Scotland - to our future success.

“This Plan will reaffirm our commitment to grow and invest in the sector and to ensure its long-term competitive future. We will outline ways to help businesses better access, exploit and keep pace with new technologies and opportunities, further support Scottish companies to achieve supply chain excellence, and promote innovation. These actions will enable the sector to improve productivity and business performance, providing a better long-term future and enabling it to compete internationally.”