The high -value manufacturing sector of Scotland is a critical component of the nations economy. Historically, Scotland has had a solid manufacturing base and this intrinsic thread now also crosses many future economic areas or opportunities, including renewable energy, life sciences, digital automation and space.
In 2023, investigation Performed by Ryden On behalf of Scottish Enterprise, he highlighted a key obstacle to maximizing this possible economic growth: a clear shortage of adequate industrial land and properties.
Existing industrial property actions of Scotland, totaling 167 million square meters. ft., is characterized by older buildings that may suffer physical, functional or environmental obsolescence. This lack of modern and high quality space is a concern for high -value manufacturers looking for efficient local.
In addition, the availability of adequate land for development is limited, partly in the central belt. With the development market, facing challenges of the increase in costs and reduced capital values, it is difficult for developers to provide the largest, modern and environmentally efficient facilities that high value manufacturers require.
Ryden’s report emphasizes that it is unlikely that the development of property not compatible with the growing demands of high value manufacturers, resulting in the market failure in providing the necessary industrial infrastructure to support the expansion of the sector. With the sector that currently uses c. 170,000 people and contributing £ 12.8 billion in GVA a clear case for the intervention was demonstrated.
As a result, in 2024, Scottish Enterprise launched its program of manufacturing property of £ 35 million in 2024. The program aims to stimulate the development of 1,000,000 SQ. FT. or new industrial space and improves Scotland’s attraction with internal investors. The first call for the manufacturing ownership challenge program will make the developers available to £ 15 million.
The positive steps to address the market failure have also been made by Clyde Gateway URC, which has remedied the Earth and developed food units in Clyde Gateway East and Shawfield. Clyde Gateway’s initial investment in Clyde Gateway East has helped provide market confidence and attracted private sector developers to the area. This has not only provided adequate accommodation for high -value manufacturers, such as Torishima and Glacier Energy, but has also brought good quality works to an area of regeneration. The new units ate Shawfield innovation Have your leg backed by the High Value Manufacturing Fund of Scotland Enterprise. On the western side of the city, the Advanced District Scotland Manufacturing Innovation District is also preparing for private investment at the National Institute of Manufacturing Scotland and the Drug Manufacturing Innovation Center. In addition, the main economic initiatives around Scotland, such as green freeports based on Forth Forth and the areas of Cromarty Firth and investment areas in the Glasgow city region and northeast, power not around specific needs.
The impulse to strengthen the high -value manufacturing sector of Scotland is a long -term effort. However, in responding to identified property challenges and a narrower association that works between the public and private sector to support strategic developments, Scotland is building a basis for future prosperity. These combined efforts aim to create a dynamic and competitive manufacturing panorama that benefits the Scottish economy in the coming years.
