22 June 2017

This week the First Minister has turned her focus on boosting Scotland’s manufacturing sector by announcing two major investments.

On Monday the First Minister made steps towards creating a National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland by announcing £8.9million for a Lightweight Manufacturing Centre.

FM @NicolaSturgeon announces £8.9m for Lightweight Manufacturing Centre: https://t.co/ATt1PGY40H pic.twitter.com/hjr2vuElSH

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) June 19, 2017

This centre will give Scottish companies a competitive edge in new manufacturing processes for lightweight materials but will; also help to increase efficiency and performance and help reduce carbon emissions. Speaking to an audience of 75 companies at the AFRC the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

The Lightweight Manufacturing Centre will help Scottish businesses take advantage of the fact that sectors such as aerospace and the automotive industry are making more and more use of lightweight materials. It will deliver cutting edge research and development projects with and for companies in Scotland.”

On Wednesday the First Minister announces a £16.5million investment into Michelin’s Dundee facility.

This funding, with support from Scottish Enterprise, will help to deliver significant environmental improvements including new technology to reduce CO2 emissions by 7,140 tonnes per year.

Making the announcement while touring the site, the First Minister said:

Michelin is a global leader in developing the latest technology and this investment in making the next generation of fuel efficient tyres is another great example of a highly innovative company.

“This commitment and investment in the Dundee site will support the 850 fantastic, skilled workers here to remain at the cutting edge of their industry and help the worldwide drive to the low carbon economy.”

.@Michelin pumped up with £4.5m @scotent boost for Dundee tyre factory https://t.co/HUETG0tkB1 pic.twitter.com/E2tdClbmda

— Scotsman Business (@scot_business) June 22, 2017