Manufacturers in the North West of England have invested a total of £22 million in technology, thanks to support from the government-backed Made Smarter adoption program. This investment is expected to create jobs and boost the economy in the region.
The Made Smarter program has provided matched funding to around 300 businesses, resulting in the adoption of various technologies such as sensors, robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence (AI). These investments have led to the creation of 1,600 new jobs and over 2,850 upskilled roles in the manufacturing sector. It is estimated that these initiatives will contribute £242 million to the economy over the next three years.
Several food and drink manufacturers have been among those benefiting from the Made Smarter program. Companies such as Harbourside Products, Northern Pasta Company, Brightside Brewing Company, Just Bee Honey, Studio Bakery, and Chandley Ovens have all utilized the program’s support to enhance their businesses.
One of the business owners who took advantage of the support is Allison Metcalf, the Managing Director of Studio Bakery. She expressed her gratitude, stating that Made Smarter has been transformative for her bakery business, allowing them to increase productivity and efficiency, meeting the demands of their expanding operations.
Lifestyle product manufacturers have also embraced industrial technologies through the program. Weaver Dane, Saxon Furniture, Neal Jones Furniture, and Contour Campervan Furniture are examples of companies that have adopted CNC machinery and other advancements with the help of Made Smarter. Caitlin Green and Tom Lake, co-founders of Contour Campervan Furniture, shared their positive experience of bringing the production of campervan furniture in-house, resulting in increased output, improved quality control, and quicker innovation.
Sports and leisure manufacturers have likewise found value in the Made Smarter program. Kong Climbing, Foams 4 Sports, and A & D Sports have all leveraged digital tools to enhance their capabilities and stay competitive in their respective industries. Paul Ward, General Manager of Kong Climbing, emphasized the significant impact of Made Smarter’s support, asserting that it has positioned them to overcome challenges, explore new opportunities, and make a lasting impact in their field.
The success of the Made Smarter program in the North West has prompted the government to commit to its continuation as part of a nationwide rollout. Manufacturers are encouraged to connect with Made Smarter to access the support and benefits it offers. These include digital transformation workshops, technology advice, leadership training, skills development, grant funding for digital internships, and technology projects.
Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, expressed pride in the program’s achievements and emphasized the ongoing mission to engage with more manufacturers in need of support. The goal is to inspire and inform businesses about the advantages of technology adoption, whether it involves digitizing processes or embracing more advanced technologies like analytics, machine learning, and AI.
As the manufacturing sector in the North West continues to evolve and adapt, the support and resources provided by programs like Made Smarter will play a crucial role in driving innovation, creating job opportunities, and contributing to the overall growth of the regional economy.
Keywords: Manufacturers, North West, technology investment, Made Smarter adoption program, jobs, economy, sensors, robotics, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, food and drink, lifestyle products, sports and leisure, CNC machinery, digital tools, nationwide rollout.
