A new centre designed to support process manufacturing industries with next-generation technologies is officially opening in North Ayrshire as part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).

The Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) is set to 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.

AI, robotics, digital data management and virtual and augmented reality are among the tools that will be available to trial at the centre.

The DPMC facility is funded in part through the £251 million Ayrshire Growth Deal, which includes £103 million from UK government, a further £103m 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 serves as a pilot initiative for a larger, permanent facility in the region.

“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,” Chris Courtney, CEO of NMIS said.

“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.

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, supported by the Ayrshire 5G Innovation Region programme, with Vodafone recently named as the site’s 5G provider.

Underpinned by the Ayrshire 5G vision, the telecoms firm plans to create a Mobile Private Network at the DPMC to provide secure, fast, and efficient network coverage to showcase capabilities, provide testing, and support local companies with 5G connectivity in advanced manufacturing to accelerate the adoption of 5G and advanced wireless technologies.

Funding for the 5G connectivity initiative comes from the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) with Ayrshire named one of 10 innovation regions for advanced wireless technologies.

Training will also be on offer through the NMIS manufacturing skills academy to upskill the current workforce and support the next generation of talent, as well as digital demonstrators to show businesses how different types of technology could be applied to their manufacturing activities.

The DPMC is looking to engage with a range of sectors including pharmaceuticals manufacturing, oil and gas, chemicals, food and drink, water treatment and supply, and fast moving commercial goods (FMCG).

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“The new facility, with its range of demonstrators and 5G network, makes advanced digital manufacturing technologies accessible to all in the process sectors,” Courtney said. “It further underpins our mission to harness Scotland’s advanced manufacturing potential, and to support those working in the sector to become more sustainable and efficient.

“We look forward to working with a wide range of businesses to boost digital transformation and enable them to continue to thrive.”

According to the UK government’s Made Smarter Review, the adoption of industrial digital technology in existing and new production facilities could improve productivity by up to 30%.

“It was fantastic to see the first phase of the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre in action,” UK government Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said. “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.”