Remanufacturing institute opens in Scotland

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The Scottish Institute of Remanufacture has been opened at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

It is the first of its kind in Europe and has a mission to help grow remanufacturing businesses in Scotland and to develop an international research institute.

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The Scottish Government has given £2 million of funding to the Institute and additional backing has come from private sector businesses.

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With remanufacturing about returning products or components to at least an “as new” specification and given the same guarantees as new products, it is estimated that it is worth £2.4 billion to the UK economy.

Remanufacturing is already common in various industrial products including engines, pumps, and gearboxes in aerospace, automotive and energy sectors.

Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead (pictured) said: “We want to move away from the current situation where valuable materials go to waste, to a circular economy where things are designed to be used over and over again.

“This approach can create jobs and stimulate growth, and I am keen to hear ideas about how best to make the most of the opportunities that a circular economy can offer Scotland.

“Remanufacturing, which will be driven forward in Scotland thanks to this fantastic new institute, will be at the heart of this agenda.

“Scotland is already recognised as a leader in the circular economy internationally and this centre will further support our progressive ambitions.”

University of Strathclyde principal Sir Jim Macdonald added: “I am delighted that the University of Strathclyde is hosting this new centre of excellence for remanufacturing. This is the latest in a succession of partnerships we have created between industry and academia to drive innovation and growth for Scotland’s economy by building world-class research capability and skills.

“As home to the UK’s largest remanufacturing research group, the University, with its partners, is ideally placed to ensure Scotland is positioned at the forefront of this key engineering and technology theme.”

The Institute is being supported by Zero Waste Scotland.