New Digital Process Manufacturing Centre unlocks emerging technology for Scottish industry

A new centre designed to support process manufacturing industries with next-generation technologies was officially opened in North Ayrshire today (27 February 2025), fuelling economic growth and helping to position the region as a leader in smart manufacturing and digital skills. 

The Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) is part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and will 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. Artificial intelligence, 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 £103 million 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 is a pilot initiative for a larger, permanent facility in the region.

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. Ailsa Reliability Solutions, a specialist in condition monitoring technology, and Booth Welsh, an integrated engineering technology company, are among the companies providing the demonstrator equipment funded through the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

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).

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%[1].

Chris Courtney, CEO of NMIS, said:

“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.

“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.

“The new facility, with its range of demonstrators and 5G network, makes advanced digital manufacturing technologies accessible to all in the process sectors. 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.”

UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill attended the event and said:

"It was fantastic to see the first phase of the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre in action. 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."

The DPMC is a collaboration between the University of Strathclyde, as the operator of NMIS, North Ayrshire Council, and CPI. Both NMIS and CPI are part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult.

As a strategic partner, CPI will be providing expertise on advanced digital solutions for the processing sectors as well as key market insights.

Frank Millar, CEO of CPI, said:

“It's fantastic to see the launch of the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre today. This launch will further cement Scotland's growing reputation in commercialising digital technologies that increase productivity and deliver the advanced manufacturing technologies needed to deliver a step change in resource efficient sustainable manufacturing.

 "We look forward to bringing our expertise to this project and to get to work with our outstanding partners with whom we share this common goal. Alongside CPI's Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre, Scotland is well placed to develop novel technologies and support the industrial transformations that deliver jobs and economic impact in our communities.’’

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said:

“This is a hugely significant day for North Ayrshire and we are delighted that the new Digital Process Manufacturing Centre is officially open.

“It will not only help us build on our strong industrial heritage but help us transform and modernise our business base.

“Manufacturing jobs make up a higher-than-average proportion of jobs in North Ayrshire. It is therefore vital that we target resources, skills and expertise toward this sector to future proof jobs and ensure our young people have sustainable employment opportunities in the future. Having the DPMC on our doorsteps can be transformational and place Ayrshire at the heart of digital technology.

“Ayrshire recently became one of ten 5G Innovation Regions across the UK funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with the ambition to become the UK’s premier manufacturing-focussed 5G hub.  DPMC is central to this drive towards accelerating the adoption of digital and wireless technologies, transforming traditional production facilities into state-of-the-art Digital Wireless Factories.

“We have created strong partnerships with NMIS and CPI which will bring technical expertise and academic research and innovation right into the heart of North Ayrshire. We look forward to seeing how the DPMC develops and the influence it has over our manufacturing sector in the weeks and months to come.

Currently home to Booth Welsh, GSK, DSM, and Merck Group, the region is undergoing a rapid industrial transformation to create the i3 Digital Innovation Campus and Low Carbon Business Park in Irvine.

To find out more about the new centre, please visit the DPMC web section. 

[1] Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/made-smarter-review