Andrea Thompson to chair Made Smarter steering board

Made Smarter, the £20m programme launched late last year to encourage the manufacturing sector to adopt digital technology, has appointed Andrea Thompson as the chair of its steering board.

Andrea is the managing director for Europe & International Programmes at BAE Systems, playing a crucial role in the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft programme.

In her role as chair of the Made Smarter steering group, Andrea will oversee the development and operational delivery of the Made Smarter programme.

Trevor and colleagues will monitor progress of the pilot project, making reports that will help to inform the proposed national roll-out of the Made Smarter concept.

Andrea said: “Having spent many years working in global industries like engineering, automotive and aerospace I know how respected and admired the North West of England’s manufacturing tradition is.

BCW’s Trevor Cassie added: “With the progression of digitalisation in manufacturing there are exciting times ahead for firms across Lancashire and the wider North West, and I am greatly looking forward to being part of the Made Smarter team.”

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