Manufacturers boost growth with digital investment

Preston manufacturer Rustic Tubs and Carnforth business Daleside Fabrication are among 30 manufacturers across the North West investing in new digital technologies with support from Made Smarter North West.

The businesses are part of a wider programme that has seen manufacturers across the region invest a combined £1.9m in equipment, software and systems designed to improve efficiency, increase capacity and strengthen competitiveness.

Daleside Fabrication invested £23,000 in digital scanning and design technology, supported by an £11,000 grant. The project is expected to create two jobs and upskill five existing roles.

Rustic Tubs invested £8,000 in 3D printing and digital design software, supported by a £4,000 grant. The project is forecast to create one job and upskill two existing roles.

Donna Edwards, programme director of Made Smarter North West, said: “What is particularly encouraging is that manufacturers are continuing to invest despite ongoing economic pressures.

“They recognise that digital technologies are no longer a nice-to-have, they are essential to improving productivity, building resilience and creating the skilled jobs that will drive future growth.”