Digital Process Manufacturing Centre targets Scotland process leaders

The Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) will combine training opportunities, demonstrators and expert R&D support, working in collaboration with North Ayrshire Council and technology innovator CPI.

Among its targets are the country’s £9 billion oil and gas and £15 billion food and drink sectors as well as pharma, water and chemical sciences.

The news follows last year’s announcement that the University of Strathclyde was set to work in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and CPI committing to future proofing the process industries through support for digitalisation and data-driven manufacturing. 

The project has won support from both the Scottish and the Westminster administrations. UK Government minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart went on record to welcome the latest development:

"The DPMC will keep Scotland at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing.  This will attract further business investment, ensure our industries remain competitive and efficient, and create high-value and skilled jobs,” said the minister.  

He added that the UK Government was investing £5 million in the i3 Advanced Manufacturing Space as part of its £103 million support for the Ayrshire Growth Deal; and across Scotland was investing £2 billion into regional projects.

NMIS Group operates Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) out of the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) and Lightweight Manufacturing Centre (LMC) and will soon open its new headquarters.

The DPMC will be funded by the Ayrshire Growth Deal, Scottish Enterprise, University of Strathclyde and CPI, and will be supported by ongoing membership income. 

Another new Centre of Excellence is also being developed in Kilmarnock as part of the Ayrshire Manufacturing Investment Corridor (AMIC).