Made Smarter’s pioneering technology adoption programme has marked its fourth anniversary by helping its 250th SME manufacturer invest in new technology.
Among the latest Cheshire businesses to secure support from the government-funded and industry-led initiative are: Protea Limited, based in Middlewich, a high tech manufacturer of analysers for the control and monitoring of emissions gases; IDM Engineering (Chester), based in Ellesmere Port, a precision engineering and fabrication business; Statiflo International, based in Macclesfield, a manufacturer of static mixers for process industries; Rapid 3D Solutions, based in Northwich, specialists in 3D printing; and Wheatsheaf Print, based in Wilmslow, specialists in digital, litho and large format printers.
Meanwhile, some manufacturers who have already experienced the benefits of Made Smarter support, are taking the next step in their digitalisation journey including Derek Rose, based in Congleton, manufacturers of luxury sleepwear, loungewear, leisurewear and underwear.
Launched in 2019 to help businesses digitalise, decarbonise and drive growth, the government-funded and industry-led initiative has helped 31 Cheshire and Warrington-based businesses with £567k towards 29 technology projects, worth £1.3M after £733k in private sector investment.
These manufacturers are forecasting their investments will create almost 80 new jobs, upskill almost 180 existing roles, and deliver an additional £14.2M in gross value added (GVA) for the Cheshire and Warrington economy over the next three years.
Made Smarter has helped manufacturers adopt technologies which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes, others are now using 3D-printing, automation and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.
By adopting cutting-edge technologies, these businesses are benefiting from improved productivity and revenue, increased exports and job creation, an upskilled workforce, lower energy bills, and a reduced carbon footprint.
By supporting many of these businesses to take their first steps towards digitalisation, Made Smarter is also paving the way for more advanced technologies coming quickly down the track such as the industrial metaverse.
Protea, based in Middlewich, used Made Smarter support to create a digital roadmap and invest in new 3D CAD software, which will improve the design process, and bespoke software, to integrate disparate systems to enable the flow of data from initial enquiry through to design to delivery.
Andrew Toy, Managing Director said: “This investment will simplify and speed up communications between parts of the business and give us live data, making us more efficient and productive.
“The support from Made Smarter has been excellent.”
Derek Rose, based in Congleton, transformed its previously manual and time-consuming process of drawing and amending patterns by introducing new software with the support of Made Smarter.
Now it has also invested in an automated cutting machine so it can improve the manufacturing elements and quality of its silk products.
Jason Carroll, Head of Operations, said: “Made Smarter has provided a fantastic level of support through the process of analysing our methods, finding potential solutions and implementing them.
“The support and advice has accelerated our digital transformation and given us the confidence to approach the next step in our journey.”
Across the North West, Made Smarter has supported more than 2,500 businesses on their digitalisation journeys, offering fully funded support including expert, impartial technology advice, digital roadmapping workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps to transform their business, and skills development.
250 manufacturers have secured funding for 275 projects worth £18M, including £5M funded by Made Smarter and £13M from the businesses themselves.
Almost 1,300 new jobs are forecast to be created, 2,400 existing roles upskilled, and an additional £209M in GVA for the North West economy over the next three years.
Commenting on the programme’s achievement, Donna Edwards, director of the North West adoption programme, said: “When we launched the Made Smarter adoption programme four years ago our ambition was to boost growth, productivity, efficiency and create high value, well paid jobs of the future, as well as play a vital role to help accomplish the UK’s aim of reaching net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050.
“Digital adoption is still rife and robust in the SME sector. It’s been great to see that so many firms have tapped into our expertise to help them select the right approach for their business, how much to invest and which technologies will bring the greatest benefits. 2023 promises to be another busy year for Made Smarter.
“As trailblazers, we are tremendously proud of our achievements working together with the manufacturers we have supported, but now is not the time to rest on our laurels. More challenges lie ahead for manufacturers as they navigate a multitude of demands on their businesses, whilst also trying to keep up with the rapid pace of change. So, I would encourage any North West manufacturers who are wondering where to go next with technology to help manage their business more efficiently and sustainably to get in touch with the Made Smarter team.”
For more information, visit www.madesmarter.uk
