NEW jobs have been created in Renfrewshire, thanks to the opening of a medicines manufacturing innovation centre.

Technology innovation organisation CPI has unveiled the facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) site next to Glasgow Airport.

The new centre is bringing 100 high-quality jobs and an initial estimated £200 million of technology investment into Glasgow City Region.

It has been supported by £88 million investment from public and private partners and will bring world-leading science and technology expertise under one roof to help accelerate state-of-the-art solutions in medicines development and manufacturing.

Building on Scotland's growing reputation as a global hub for life sciences and manufacturing innovation, the centre will also further enhance international investment into these key sectors.

CPI leads the centre, providing skills training in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing roles for the facility's Renfrewshire-based scientists, technicians, engineers and apprentices. 

Dave Tudor, director of medicines manufacturing, biologics and quality at CPI, told The Gazette: "The facility we have built here in Renfrewshire is the first example of a consistent and concerted effort from the pharma industry to collaborate. This will be crucial to unlocking the challenges we’ve faced so far to translate research into tangible benefits that will help address unmet health needs.

"Our 'Grand Challenge' business model aims to bring key players together to accelerate solutions to key challenges including how we reduce waste and lower the industry's carbon footprint through better, more efficient manufacturing processes. We want to drive strong research in areas like cell and gene therapy, RNA, and monoclonal antibodies and deliver digital solutions, better technology and advanced supply chain mindsets to support greater investment and growth in biological manufacturing.

"The next phase is about inviting companies into the new centre so they can benefit from the existing technologies developed as a result of our Grand Challenges."

Iain Nicolson, leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: "I'm delighted to see the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre open in Renfrewshire, bringing high-value jobs and an estimated £200 million in advanced technology investment. It's exciting to know new innovations and approaches in medicines manufacturing will be made in Renfrewshire at this one-of-a-kind centre, potentially delivering global benefits.

"It marks a key step forward in our development of AMIDS, which has already attracted £185 million into Renfrewshire and continues to provide a major boost to the local, regional and Scottish economy."