21-07-2025
New innovation centre could create 300 jobs in Renfrewshire
Plans have been announced to create a national hub for the development of advanced semiconductor packaging.
More than 300 high-tech jobs could be created in Renfrewshire thanks to a promised £29 million investment in green technology.
The money – put up by the UK Government as part of its investment in Glasgow City Region Innovation Zone projects – will accelerate semiconductor packaging innovation at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).
It will fund a national hub for the development of advanced semiconductor packaging – a component needed for the manufacturing of next generation technologies from AI to computing and photonics.
In a first for Europe, the new facility – dubbed the National Advanced Semiconductor Packaging and Integration Centre (NASPIC) – will enable faster development of semiconductor devices, reducing packaging lead times from months to days. It will also reduce the UK's reliance on importing conductors from overseas.
The new centre will form part of the University of Strathclyde's Advanced Net Zero Innovation Centre based at the NMIS site in Inchinnan.
It is expected to create 300 new jobs and unlock an estimated £800m in additional revenue for UK and international businesses.
Professor Matt Boyle, director of electrification at NMIS, said: 'We are building a world-class capability here in Renfrewshire, positioning the region at the forefront of advanced semiconductor development.
'Our ambition is to serve the global market for semiconductor packaging. As part of this, we also intend to develop skills programmes that will fuel the sector's expansion both locally and nationally.
'This latest funding boost underlines NMIS's commitment to becoming a world-leading centre for advanced manufacturing in these critical technologies.
'NASPIC will support companies looking to bring manufacturing in-house and reduce their reliance on overseas supply chains. There is no other facility in the UK that offers the level of support and access to technology we are planning.
'This new national resource will be key to enhancing the UK's position in a growing global market, nurturing businesses and enabling them to scale.
'This is a very exciting moment. Scotland has long been at the forefront of semiconductor innovation.
'Now, with fresh momentum and investment, we have the opportunity to put Scotland back on the global map for advanced packaging, underpinned by targeted skills development.'
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde and chair of the NMIS board, added: 'This is a strategically important capability for the UK, enhancing our competitiveness, strengthening supply chains, and opening up new opportunities in high-growth sectors such as AI, quantum, and photonics.
'Through NMIS and our close collaboration with government and industry, we are helping to build the skills, infrastructure, and expertise required to secure the UK's future as a global leader in advanced manufacturing.'
