Made Smarter powers SME manufacturers to invest £25m in technology
Published: 17 October, 2024
Made Smarter, the movement accelerating the digital transformation of SME manufacturers, has announced it has reached a major milestone - backing North West companies to invest £25m in new technologies.
330 businesses have now secured £7.1m matched funding from the government-funded, industry-backed initiative over the last six years, adopting technologies as diverse as sensors, robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI).
These companies have put £18m of private sector investment towards 379 technology projects which are forecast to create over 1,700 new jobs - an average of five each, and upskill 3,200 existing roles - almost 10 per business. What is more, the investments in technology and people are set to add £267m to the economy over the next three years.
Made Smarter’s funding panel, which comprises leading figures from across the worlds of business, government and academia, offers grants of up to £20,000 towards new technology and digital tools.
Among the latest wave of 23 companies securing grants are:
• Edinburgh Weavers, the world-renowned textile manufacturer, based in Bolton;
• Duo UK, a manufacturer of packaging products, based in Manchester;
• Trekk Vans, a campervan conversion specialist, based in Carlisle;
• J. J. Smith & Co. (Woodworking Machinery), an original equipment manufacturer, based in Liverpool;
• C-TEC, a manufacturer of life-safety electronic systems, based in Wigan;
• BrickByBrick23, a manufacturer of personalised photo blocks using LEGO Bricks, based in Glossop;
• Gardner Engineering, a manufacturer of CCTV brackets, based in Preston;
• System Hydraulics, a manufacturer of hydraulic components, based in Carlisle;
• Esspee Fabrications, a manufacturer of electrical and high temperature insulation materials, based in St Helens;
• Cupcakes By Sophia, a manufacturer of cupcakes, based in Blackburn;
• James Labels & Supplies, a manufacturer of self-adhesive labels and swing tickets, based in Bacup;
• Arc Elevators, a manufacturer of lifts, based in Nelson.
C-TEC has digitised its warehouse operations as part of a £1M investment programme to upgrade its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Peter Butterworth, Manufacturing Operations Director at C-TEC, said: “Working with Made Smarter has fast-tracked our investment in fully integrating and digitising our warehousing operations.
“With approaching 9,000-line items of fast-moving raw materials, sub-assemblies and finished goods, a fully digitised system was essential, and the system implemented through support from Made Smarter has made us significantly more efficient, productive, environmentally friendly, created new jobs, upskilled our workforce and well positioned C-TEC for business growth.”
JJ Smith & Co. (Woodworking Machinery), has adopted robotics and software to accelerate its development of automation solutions aimed at simplifying manufacturing processes to the woodworking sector.
Ian Stanley, Sales Director, said: “We have a clear strategy for digital transformation and business growth. This technology can revolutionise our approach to programming and testing. This rapid turnaround time enables us to provide our customers with proof of concept swiftly and efficiently, enhancing our responsiveness and improving our chances of securing sales, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
“Made Smarter’s backing is important, and we are grateful for the expertise and enthusiasm the team has shown in support of our ambitions.”
Additive manufacturing specialists have also started their Made Smarter journey including: FDM Digital Solutions, based in Burnley; Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS), based in Burscough; and Fusion Implants, based in Liverpool.
Other grants have been awarded to engineering companies including: One-O-Five Precision, based in Dalston; Premium Fabrications, based in Rochdale; Dobson and Beaumont, based in Blackburn; Northwest Waterjet, based in Chorley; Newfield Fabrications, based in Sandbach; Debron Fabrication, based in Widnes. Meanwhile, electronics manufacturers S K Electronics, based in Oldham, and IPEC, based in Stockport, will also invest in new technology.
One-O-Five Precision, a precision CNC manufacturer, is investing in new inspection technology.
Richard Pratt, Managing Director, said: “Working with MadeSmarter has been transformative. This investment has significantly enhanced our inspection procedures, allowing us to achieve greater accuracy and efficiency in quality control. This improvement is crucial as we continue to grow our reputation in the nuclear, defence and aerospace sectors, where precision and quality are paramount.”
Commenting on the latest milestone and grant awards, Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said: “These technology projects will have a tremendous impact on individuals, businesses, the sector and society. They will boost efficiency, productivity and growth, creating new jobs and upskilling existing roles, all while shifting the dial on creating a more sustainable approach to manufacturing.
“I welcome these 23 companies into the Made Smarter family. Alongside the hundreds who have already reaped the rewards of the adoption programme, we have now invested over £25m into the digital transformation of the sector.
“Celebrating milestones is important. It permits my fantastic team to take stock of the achievement and then commit to improving the services we offer to continue the Made Smarter mission.”
As well as grants, Made Smarter offers SME manufacturers access to funded support including digital transformation workshops to create a digital roadmap, impartial and expert technology advice, and leadership and skills training.
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Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West
