WORK has started on a new manufacturing district near Glasgow Airport expected to create as many as 6000 jobs.

The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) will include the new National Manufacturing Institute.

The Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre involved in life sciences and cutting edge research will also be based at the site.

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The development land covering 53 hectares will see work done to create new access roads and bridges as well as walking and cycling routes.

The large campus will house scientific research and hi-tech manufacturing industries in custom built facilities.

Derek Mackay, finance secretary, was at the new development site to see the first ground cutting to prepare for building work.

The project is being funded through the Glasgow Region city deal and led by Renfrewshire Council.

Mr Mackay said: “Building on our rich and diverse manufacturing heritage, this development will help Scotland develop the clean, green, technologically-advanced industries of the future. The first tenants of this new district will be the Scottish Government’s £65 million National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the £56 million Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre which will both provide an attractive proposition for further inward investment.

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“Manufacturing is vitally important to the Scottish economy and AMIDS, and the companies it will attract, will help realise our ambitions for Scotland to become a global leader in advanced manufacturing.”

Pupils from nearby Inchinnan Primary School helped plant a time capsule packed full of local manufacturing mementos together with the children’s ‘dream inventions’ – covering everything from glasses that can see emotions to a self-navigating bike.

Lorraine Cameron, Renfrewshire Provost, said: “Renfrewshire has a rich manufacturing heritage and right now 9000 people work in manufacturing roles across the region, generating more than £1billion in exports.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland will provide fantastic employment opportunities and support companies of all shapes and sizes to prosper. Its success will be built on close collaboration and cooperation.

“We know that from great connectivity to a highly-skilled workforce, we have the right ingredients in Renfrewshire to deliver on its amazing potential and place Renfrewshire at the beating heart of Scottish manufacturing. I am personally very proud that new products for a new world will be made in Renfrewshire.”

It is hoped the advanced manufacturing centre will bring together, people and skills in the one place in order to attract more inward investment to Scotland.

It is the only one of its kind in Scotland and its transport connections, beside Glasgow Airport and with easy access tot the M8 is hoped to be a factor in firms location operations there.

Scottish Enterprise is also providing funding for the project which is due have the necessary infrastructure built by 2021.

Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Steve Dunlop said: “This site represents one of the most exciting and important developments for Scotland’s manufacturing community in a generation.

“Once completed, it will significantly enhance Scotland’s excellent worldwide reputation for attracting inward investors.”