Made Smarter powers SME manufacturers to invest £25m in technology

Made Smarter, the movement accelerating the digital transformation of SME manufacturers, 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.

In Lancashire, these include 115 companies who have invested almost £9.4m into 124 projects, creating 600 new jobs and upskilling 1,279 roles, while boosting the county’s economy by £92m.

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 companies securing grants are: Gardner Engineering, a manufacturer of CCTV brackets, based in Preston;
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; FDM Digital Solutions, an additive manufacturing specialist, based in Burnley;  Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS),  an additive manufacturing specialist, based in Burscough; Dobson and Beaumont, a specialist precision engineering company focusing on thread rolling, based in Blackburn; and
Northwest Waterjet, an engineering company, based in Chorley.

Dobson and Beaumont has invested in a high resolution, high accuracy machine for the rapid measurement of small cylindrical parts.

Richard Guest, managing director, said: “Maintaining our strong reputation for quality products and staying competitive in our sector requires a strategy of investment in our people and technologies. 

“Our new machine has rapidly increased inspection times and efficiency, improved operator confidence and opened up further growth opportunities.  

“Made Smarter’s backing has accelerated this area of our ongoing digital transformation and given the business a massive boost.”

Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS), is a family-run additive manufacturing specialist.

Katie Higham, chief operations officer, said: “The grant funding has enabled purchase of game-changing technology to increase our offering in the world of additive manufacturing. This has made us more productive through end-to-end digitalisation of our manufacturing processes. 

“The support we have received from Made Smarter has been crucial to enhance our in-house technological capabilities, while supporting our digital transformation and upskilling our staff.”

Arc Elevators has invested in a new field service management system.

Becky Lang, operations manager, said: "Arc Elevators has greatly benefited from our experience with the Made Smarter programme. Through their support, we have been able to implement the ‘BigChange’ job management software, which has completely transformed our operations.

"Previously, we relied on paper-based processes, but now, with digitalisation and automation, we’ve streamlined our workflows across the entire business. This has significantly improved our efficiency, productivity, and customer service, while also boosting profits.

“The technology has not only reduced the margin for error but also allowed us to operate more effectively, making a positive impact on our bottom line. We’re excited about the continued benefits this will bring to Arc Elevators as we grow."

Gardner Engineering is investing in automation technology.

Matt Philp, managing director, said: “This project will enable our business to make products faster and more efficiently, giving us more flexibility to expand into new markets and growing turnover. Another aspect of this investment is the opportunity to upskill my brilliant team of engineers with the latest digital technologies, and be an attractive career prospect for the next generation of engineers.”

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 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.