The UK-based organisation has backed North West companies to invest £25m in new technology.
330 businesses have now secures £7.1m matched funding from the government-funded initiatives since 2018 by adopting technologies such as robotics and AI.
These companies have put £18m of private sector investment towards 379 technology projects which are forecast to create over 1,700 new jobs - an average of five each, and upskill 3,200 existing roles - almost 10 per business.
The investments in technology and people are set to add £267m to the economy over the next three years.
Made Smarter’s funding panel, which comprises figures from across the worlds of business, government and academia, offers grants of up to £20,000 towards new technology and digital tools.
Among the latest wave of 23 companies securing grants are:
- Edinburgh Weavers, the textile manufacturer, based in Bolton;
- Duo UK, a manufacturer of packaging products, based in Manchester;
- Trekk Vans, a campervan conversion specialist, based in Carlisle;
- J. J. Smith & Co. (Woodworking Machinery) Limited, an original equipment manufacturer, based in Liverpool;
- C-TEC, a manufacturer of life-safety electronic systems, based in Wigan;
- BrickByBrick23, a manufacturer of personalised photo blocks using LEGO Bricks, based in Glossop;
- Gardner Engineering, a manufacturer of CCTV brackets, based in Preston;
- System Hydraulics, a manufacturer of hydraulic components, based in Carlisle;
- Esspee Fabrications, a manufacturer of electrical and high temperature insulation materials, based in St Helens;
- Cupcakes By Sophia, a manufacturer of cupcakes, based in Blackburn;
- James Labels & Supplies, a manufacturer of self-adhesive labels and swing tickets, based in Bacup;
- Arc Elevators, a manufacturer of lifts, based in Nelson.
C-TEC has digitised its warehouse operations as part of a £1M investment programme to upgrade its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Peter Butterworth, Manufacturing Operations Director at C-TEC, said: “Working with Made Smarter has fast-tracked our investment in fully integrating and digitising our warehousing operations.
“With approaching 9,000-line items of fast-moving raw materials, sub-assemblies and finished goods, a fully digitised system was essential, and the system implemented through support from Made Smarter has made us significantly more efficient, productive, environmentally friendly, created new jobs, upskilled our workforce and well positioned C-TEC for business growth.”
Additive manufacturing specialists have also started their Made Smarter journey including: FDM Digital Solutions, based in Burnley; Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS), based in Burscough; and Fusion Implants, based in Liverpool.
Other grants have been awarded to engineering companies including: One-O-Five Precision, based in Dalston; Premium Fabrications, based in Rochdale; Dobson and Beaumont, based in Blackburn; Northwest Waterjet, based in Chorley; Newfield Fabrications, based in Sandbach; Debron Fabrication, based in Widnes. Meanwhile, electronics manufacturers S K Electronics, based in Oldham, and IPEC, based in Stockport, will also invest in new technology.
One-O-Five Precision, a precision CNC manufacturer, is investing in new inspection technology.
Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said: “These technology projects will have a tremendous impact on individuals, businesses, the sector and society. They will boost efficiency, productivity and growth, creating new jobs and upskilling existing roles, all while shifting the dial on creating a more sustainable approach to manufacturing.
“I welcome these 23 companies into the Made Smarter family. Alongside the hundreds who have already reaped the rewards of the adoption programme, we have now invested over £25m into the digital transformation of the sector.
“Celebrating milestones is important. It permits my fantastic team to take stock of the achievement and then commit to improving the services we offer to continue the Made Smarter mission.
Founded in 2018, Made Smarter is an innovation programme that aims to improve long-term prosperity of UK manufacturing through digital skills, technology development and digital adoption. The programme offers manufacturers support through workshops to create a digital roadmap, technology advice and skills training.
Also read: Made Smarter powers SME manufacturers to invest £25m in technology
