Manufacturers invited to register interest in new innovation service
The building housing the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM) at Enterprise Park Forres was handed back to HIE today after being refurbished by Morrison Construction.
Manufacturing companies will soon be able to benefit from a new facility in Moray designed to drive innovation and support job creation.
The Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM) has been developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and is based at Enterprise Park Forres.
MICM is a Moray Growth Deal (MGD) project with more than £2.4m funding from UK Government, £1.8m from the Scottish Government, and £2.5m from HIE.
The refurbished building was handed back to HIE today (19 March) by contractors Morrison Construction.
The centre includes incubator space for start‑ups and project areas where established companies can test ideas and develop new products. Businesses will also be able to benefit from assessment, diagnostic and signposting into the Scottish and UK innovation support network and experience the showcasing of the latest manufacturing technologies and equipment. An innovation consultancy provision will be available to procure to help companies explore new opportunities.
Elevator UK, appointed by HIE to operate the centre and deliver the service, will lead stakeholder engagement, marketing and promotion. The organisation is developing a range of services to support innovation in manufacturing and is inviting businesses in Moray and beyond to register their interest.
A key focus for the centre will be helping companies adopt low‑carbon practices and take advantage of emerging green‑economy opportunities.
HIE area manager for Moray David Reid said:
“We’re delighted to see the MICM building ready for operation. The centre will help existing manufacturers improve growth, productivity and efficiency. It will also encourage new start‑ups and support more product and process research and development.
“Elevator is bringing fresh thinking and a dynamic approach to developing the centre’s services. These activities are expected to support up to 300 jobs over the next 10 years.”
Elevator UK CEO Rachel Ross said:
“Since being awarded the MICM contract from HIE in October 2025, we have been working hard behind the scenes with our partner CeeD to prepare MICM for opening. Today marks an exciting milestone, as our team will begin operating from the new building and bringing our ambitious vision to life.
“We look forward to creating a vibrant hub that supports manufacturers and product‑based businesses across Moray and the wider Highlands and Islands, helping them innovate, grow and harness the significant opportunities emerging across the region.”
There are currently more than 6,000 manufacturing jobs in Moray – this is more per head of population than any other part of Scotland. Most of these are in sectors such as whisky and other food and drink, technology and advanced engineering, textiles and forestry.