Strathclyde University is partnering in the Arrol Gibb Innovation Campus (AGIC) to transform large-scale manufacturing through innovation and skills development.

Based at Babcock International’s Rosyth facility, the global centre of excellence will serve a range of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the marine, nuclear and energy-transition sectors.

It will offer access to the latest industrial techniques and technology, office space, innovation advice and skills development.

The centre is a collaboration between the University, Babcock International, the University of Edinburgh, Fife College, Fife Council, Scottish Enterprise, and Skills Development Scotland.

Partners are developing leading expertise in five core capabilities on one site: large-scale advanced manufacturing, composites, robotics, nuclear manufacturing, and digital shipbuilding.

These five are supported by cross-campus skills development and an Innovation Incubator for start-up businesses and existing businesses looking to engage in innovative product and process improvements.

One key element of AGIC is the development of skills, for clients, as a standalone service for businesses, and for apprentices and students in schools, colleges, and universities.

AGIC will also offer access to real-life datasets and state-of-the-art equipment, including the latest digital and data tools, plus academic research and latest shop-floor developments.

Commenting on the new centre, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Strathclyde, said: “As a leading international technological university with deep and large-scale strategic industry collaborations, we are proud of our strong links with a wide range of business and academic partners.

“This new Innovation Campus will enable researchers and industry to work together and will build on our strategic partnership with Babcock to develop and deliver innovation through world-class projects.

“It complements the work being done at the Strathclyde operated, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland Group and it will give our academics and students further opportunities to be at the forefront of cutting-edge developments across engineering and advanced manufacturing.”

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Ivan McKee MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, added: “I welcome the launch of the Arrol Gibb Innovation Campus, which will support employment and skills, benefit the economy, drive innovation and reinforce Scotland’s position as a global leader in large-scale advanced manufacturing.

“Its unique combination of capabilities supports Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation.”

Sean Donaldson, Managing Director for Babcock’s Rosyth facility, said: “By collaboratively working together with our partners, the campus will create something unique in Scotland that will drive and energise advanced manufacturing.

“With an open cooperative approach, the campus will enable users to conceive, test, implement and learn – creating knowledge, IP and digital skills for economic growth.

“Supporting flexible large-scale advanced manufacturing for energy, shipbuilding and infrastructure sectors, the campus will provide a rewarding future for generations to come.”

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