A programme helping manufacturers boost productivity and growth using digital tools has reached a major milestone, having now backed its 200th technology project.
The latest Cumbrian businesses to secure support from the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West include: Forth Engineering, Flimby; Lakeland Fabrics, Carlisle; Marl International, Ulverston; Classic Desserts, Penrith; Ye Olde Friars, Keswick; Shane Taylor Welding, Maryport, and Fuel Exhausts, Kendal).
Launched in 2019, the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West has now supported 161 businesses with £3.9 million matched funding for 201 projects, leveraging £10.5 million of private sector investment.
This includes 20 businesses in Cumbria who have secured grants worth £475,000 for 24 technology projects, valued at almost £1.7m after private investment.
Some manufacturers are developing projects using emerging technologies which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes. Others are using 3D-printing, automation, and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.
In Cumbria 60 new jobs will be created, 131 existing roles will be upskilled, and an additional £13.7m in gross value added (GVA) for the region’s economy.
Fuel Exhausts, a manufacturer of motorcycle exhausts, based in Kendal, is adopting additive manufacturing technology, including a 3D scanner, 3D printer and CAD software, to speed up the design and prototyping of new bike parts for its customers and new markets.
Owners Damian and Louise Turner said: “Over the last 20 years we have earned our position as a trusted exhaust brand.
“After operating in a traditional way, making everything from scratch and using very manual processes, we can see the opportunities new technology can create.”
Shane Taylor Welding, a fabrication and mechanical engineering business in Maryport, is adopting robotics and process control automation technology with the support of Made Smarter.
Jack Gartland, finance and quality manager, said: “The impact of COVID-19 on the business has inspired us to look at ways of innovating to improve our manufacturing processes to be more efficient and cut costs.
“Made Smarter has supported our adoption of a CNC plasma cutting machine which will enable us to bring in-house previous outsourced work.
“This investment will accelerate our business goals to grow and create two new jobs and upskill our existing workforce.”
Donna Edwards, programme director for the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West, said: “Surpassing the milestone of 200 funded technology projects is a significant achievement for the Made Smarter adoption programme in the North West – and there is much more to come.
“Industry 4.0 is the future of manufacturing. Through it, the entire sector can reap endless rewards that will ultimately lead to considerable – and sustainable – growth. But upgrading to new technologies can seem like a complex and daunting task, and SMEs can miss out on significant improvements to their operations.
“Over the last two-and-a-half years we have developed a programme of wide-ranging support which cuts through the jargon to provide honest, impartial advice to help businesses identify the most effective digital tools, innovation and skills needed to make an everyday difference to their operations.
“I am delighted that so many manufacturing and engineering businesses of all sizes, from across all sectors, have realised the benefits of digital technology and would encourage other SMEs in the region to start their own conversation with us.”
For more information, visit www.madesmarter.uk
