Scottish Leather Group (SLG) has opened a 75,000 sq. ft facility in Glasgow to design and manufacture BioPRO®, its protein-based, recoverable moulded foam.
The new site marks a significant investment in the group’s sustainable interior materials innovation for multiple passenger transport sectors and will enable its Muirhead brand to scale up BioFoam production for aviation, rail and bus/coach customers.
The historic building, which has been associated with SLG for more than 150 years, has been carefully restored and transformed into a state-of-the-art production site and engineering hub. The building will play a key role in the production of BioPRO, a moulded foam that incorporates protein recovered as a by-product of the SLG manufacturing process.
BioPRO® Foam is the world’s first naturally fire-resistant, lightweight, protein-based comfort seating solution for the aviation and rail industries. Developed over five years of research, BioPRO is a revolutionary, patented innovation which utilises hydrolysed collagen – a natural by-product of Muirhead’s own circular leather manufacturing process – to create a high-performance sustainable seating solution that sets a new industry benchmark for sustainability and safety.
Unlike traditional synthetic foams that rely on chemical additives to meet strict fire standards, BioPRO features a 20 per cent functional protein content that is chemically bonded into the foam structure.
This unique property allows the foam to naturally resist fire, eliminating the need for harmful substances typically found in aviation and mass transportation seating, including Melamine, Bromine, Titanium Phosphate, Graphite and PFAS (forever chemicals).
Muirhead has said that BioPRO allows it to provide a truly integrated seating solution. It adds that by combining its low-carbon leather and other textile seat covers with custom-moulded bio-protein cushions, it offers customers a seamless, one-stop shop that simplifies supply chains and ensures flawless aesthetic consistency across cabin interiors.
Following the recent acquisition of Aerotech Systems Limited, a UK CAA Part 21G Production Organisation Approval holder, the opening of a new facility dedicated to BioPRO also brings cabin engineering and certified aviation manufacturing capability together in one location, enabling aircraft interior seating components to be manufactured and certified internally for airline and OEM customers.
For the rail sector, BioPRO has also been certified to EN 45545‑2:2020+A1:2023 (requirement R21) at Hazard Levels HL1, HL2 and HL3, following successful independent testing, giving rail operators, OEMs and seat manufacturers a more sustainable material option without compromising on fire performance, durability or compliance.
Scottish Leather Group CEO Nicholas Muirhead commented: “Our new BioPRO facility allows us to take design, engineering and production capabilities to a new level, with our teams operating together in one location to support collaboration and innovation. This investment not only strengthens our manufacturing operations but also creates opportunities within the local community and secures the future of this historic building.
“BioPRO Foam represents a step change in sustainable seating materials and, together with our recent acquisition of Aerotech Systems Limited, the certification we have achieved in rail, all combined with this new manufacturing facility, we are establishing another pivotal milestone for Muirhead as we continue to push the boundaries of sustainable passenger transport interiors.”
Originally a textile factory, the building was transformed into a specialist tannery in 1870, when Andrew Muirhead & Son (now known as Muirhead) began operations on the Dunn Street site. Following the consolidation of Muirhead’s leather manufacturing at its main Bridge of Weir site in recent years, the vacant Glasgow building was chosen as the ideal location for the new BioPRO production facility.
SLG has since invested in the historic building, reimagining it for a new age of industrial production in central Glasgow. The original factory façade has been carefully refurbished, with the character of the existing building preserved and complemented by a series of functional, modern upgrades to aid sustainability. The result is a facility that honours its industrial heritage while also aligning with the Group’s reputation as a leader in responsible manufacturing.
For more information about Scottish Leather Group and BioPRO click here.
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