Made Smarter is calling for manufacturers to open their factories to the schools, colleges and the local community for National Manufacturing Day on September 26.
The government-funded, industry-backed programme, which helps manufacturers connect with technology and skills, is involved in events across the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber.
Run by trade body Make UK, and now in its third year, National Manufacturing Day (NMD24) has become a national celebration of UK manufacturing and a chance to raise the sector's profile. Businesses are encouraged to sign up for a UK-wide ‘open house’, allowing members of the public to experience first-hand what manufacturers do, how they make some of our most loved household brands, and how they use the most cutting-edge technology.
With manufacturing vacancies high, the labour pool shrinking and makers needing help finding recruits with the right skills, NMD24 is a golden opportunity to demonstrate potential careers and jobs on offer, from engineering and robotics to data analysis and innovation.
Manufacturers backed by Made Smarter’s Adoption programme in the North West are among hundreds already taking part. They include Playdale, a playground equipment manufacturer based in Cumbria, and Duo UK, a manufacturer of packaging products based in Greater Manchester.
Paul Mallinson, Technical & Operations Director, Playdale, said: "We are delighted to participate in NMD. It's a fantastic opportunity to open the doors to our manufacturing facility to the local community so they can learn more about our mission to make smiles for all generations through play and learn what a career in manufacturing is all about. Visitors will be given a tour of the manufacturing facility to see what it takes to produce quality, innovative and fun playground equipment.”
Zoe Brimelow, Brand Director, Duo UK said: "We are very excited to be taking part in NMD. We are inviting people in the local community to tour our manufacturing facility to see what it takes to produce quality, innovative and resourceful packaging products. We will also host a workshop teaching students the ‘value of packaging’, helping them to learn about sustainability, resourcefulness and the circular economy."
Meanwhile, The Expanded Metal Company, a specialist manufacturer in metal mesh solutions based in Hartlepool is offering tours of its factory. This follows the successful implementation of a cobot welder aided by Made Smarter North East.
Commenting on NMD24, Donna Edwards, director for Made Smarter North West, said: “I am delighted that Made Smarter and manufacturers involved in our adoption programme are demonstrating support for Make UK’s campaign. NMD24 aligns perfectly with the programme’s ambitions to help SME manufacturers achieve their digital transformation with a people-led approach and using technology as a tool. It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate UK manufacturing and emphasise the role of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to encourage more students to pursue these subjects, something Made Smarter is passionate about.
“By opening their factories, which are normally closed to the public, it is the perfect opportunity for manufacturers to showcase the huge progress that has been made from the traditional oily rag image towards the smart modern factory. I would encourage more manufacturers to join the campaign.”
Elsewhere in the country, Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber are hosting workshops demonstrating the benefits of better data capture and management, as well as how manufacturers can unlock innovation through new technology.
Made Smarter is also holding a special LinkedIn Live to celebrate the programme's impact nationwide. The bite-sized broadcast will take place on Thursday, September 26 at 12pm.
From a national perspective, Brian Holliday, co-chair of the Made Smarter Commission, which leads the Adoption and Innovation programme, will share his insights for a special ITN programme to highlight the positive impact of the manufacturing industry. The show, ‘Manufacturing: Industry, Innovation and Impact’, will go out on NMD24 and will feature contributions from Made in Britain and The Manufacturing Technologies Association.
Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation added: “National Manufacturing Day is a really exciting day where the whole manufacturing sector will come together to celebrate the amazing things that Britain designs and makes.
“Britain’s manufacturing companies are at the forefront of global renewable technology development and some of the most innovative engineering developments seen anywhere around the world. This is a sector with amazing opportunities and we hope this third National Manufacturing Day will give people who have never had the chance to see inside their local businesses just what is going on and the opportunities available to them.”
