Strengths

Chemicals manufacture in Scotland was established in 1871 at Grangemouth − a site that’s still in operation today. Scotland’s chemicals sector continues to go from strength to strength, presenting greater benefits for inward investors.

Academic excellence and training opportunities

A network of support companies, a large number of training providers and a pipeline of graduates in chemistry and related subjects help strengthen the Scottish basic chemicals sector.

Chemicals industry companies looking to invest in Scotland can benefit from our:

  • Strong academic base – Scotland has a considerable breadth of training and teaching capabilities, and employs 14,000 highly skilled staff at all levels 
  • Significant training opportunities − our universities, colleges and research institutes work closely with industry to provide short and full courses in specialist chemistry subjects at technician through to post-doctorate levels 
  • Steady stream of graduates − Scotland produces over 1000 graduates a year with degrees in chemistry or a related subject 
  • International recognition – Scotland is home to one of the best trained, most reliable, flexible, and competitive workforces in the world according to fDi Magazine’s judging panel  
  • Large workforce − Scotland has a working population of around 2.5 million in the central belt, bolstered by migrant workers offering international language and specialist skills

Research and collaboration

  • R&D excellence − over 20 companies are actively involved in R&D supported by strong ties between academia and industry 
  • Testing and demonstration capabilities across all technologies – Scotland’s Contract Research Organisations offer services such as toxicity testing and polymorph, salt and crystal screening 
  • Strong relationships with medical schools and agricultural colleges – more than 10 companies offer R&D and scale-up services to third parties including the basic chemicals sector

Established and supportive infrastructure

Scotland has significant strengths in its well-established supply chain and range of support services.

Our strong collaborations between academia, industry and the public sector also help to underpin the industry.

The EU is the biggest chemical consumer, and the headquarters of many of the world’s top chemical companies are located in Europe. Scotland is well placed to service the major basic chemicals markets of Europe.

  • European transport hub − Scotland’s transport infrastructure provides excellent road, rail, air and sea routes and four main airports with direct freight services to Europe 
  • Freight and haulage expertise − Scotland is home to leading distribution companies with knowledge and experience of transporting hazardous and other chemical substances safe-guarding Health & Safety and regulatory compliance 
  • First-rate telecommunications infrastructure − more than 60,000 people are employed within 300 contact centres in Scotland offering outsourcing services 
  • Availability of raw materials and reliable utilities sites offering world-class facilities at competitive rates – such as, EaStCHEM’s Research Computing Facility 
  • Scotland’s 26 percent corporation tax is lowest of the G7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States) 
  • Clear, transparent regulatory environment – flexible labour market regulations and highly competitive staffing costs 
  • Existing research and development infrastructure – utilises expertise in basic chemicals particularly in testing and demonstration services 
  • Competitive salaries by European standards – salaries reflect our highly trained and skilled workforce

Innovation

With major global companies locating in Scotland and world-leading research and development (R&D) taking place throughout the country, Scotland’s chemicals expertise is evolving at the forefront of the industry.

As a result, Scotland maintains its strong competitive advantage in basic chemicals.

  • Strong innovative culture and capability – Scotland’s has a track record of innovation and its education system provides a steady flow of potential scientific and technical employees 
  • New interdisciplinary activities are emerging − this demonstrates Scotland’s pro-active approach in meeting the needs of a dynamic industry. Courses such as sustainable chemistry, nanosciences and advanced materials are evolving within and across our universities.