SME manufacturers in the North West of England are investing a total of £22 million ($30 million) in technology thanks to the Made Smarter initiative. The programme, which is backed by the government and the industry, has provided matched funding of £6.5 million to 300 businesses, enabling them to adopt technologies such as sensors, robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence. This investment is expected to drive innovation and competitiveness among SME manufacturers in the region. The Made Smarter initiative aims to support the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector in the UK, helping businesses to increase productivity and create new jobs.
In other manufacturing news, Airbus Helicopters has reported a solid sales performance in 2023, with 410 gross orders (net: 393) logged for the year. The company delivered 346 helicopters in 2023, representing a preliminary 54% share of the civil and parapublic market. This positive performance indicates a steady market recovery, particularly for light twin and medium twin helicopters. Furthermore, the University of Heriot-Watt in Edinburgh has received approval from The City of Edinburgh Council for its plans to create a state-of-the-art telescope station. This milestone project will pave the way for the development of a space cluster at the university, with a focus on satellite quantum secure communications to counter cyberattacks.
In Scotland, more than 70 jobs have been saved following the buyout of a window business called Evoframes, which is a major supplier to trade customers across the country. This news comes as a relief for the employees and the local community, providing stability and continuity for the business. Additionally, Wayland Additive, a UK-based metal additive manufacturing company, has secured £4.2 million in funding to expand its operations. The company specializes in electron beam 3D printing and plans to use the funding to grow its customer base and increase in-house production of its Calibur3 metal additive manufacturing systems.
Meanwhile, The Vita Group, a supplier to the aviation and rail industry, has acquired Paustian Airtex, a leading aviation business specializing in leather and textile products. This strategic acquisition will strengthen The Vita Group’s capabilities and expand its product portfolio in the aviation sector. On the sustainability front, a Coventry-based packaging company called Purple Planet Packaging has partnered with Green Rock Manufacturing Group to produce plastic-free cups. This collaboration aims to provide environmentally friendly solutions for disposable cups, starting with a fully recyclable and compostable option.
Lastly, Leonardo, an Italian aerospace and defense company, has been awarded a new contract by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory to improve the survivability and protection of Land Armoured Vehicles in the British Army. This contract highlights Leonardo’s expertise in delivering advanced defense solutions and reinforces its position as a trusted partner for military organizations.
These manufacturing news updates highlight the ongoing advancements and investments in technology, sustainability, and defense within the industry. They demonstrate the commitment of businesses and organizations to driving innovation, creating employment opportunities, and addressing societal and environmental challenges.
