Made Smarter’s pioneering technology adoption programme supports digitalisation projects worth £4.7m
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 businesses to secure support from the government-funded and industry-led initiative are: Manchester Printers, based in Eccles; ITAC Limited, adhesive manufacturers based in Stoneclough; The British Millerain Company in Rochdale, a manufacturer of performance fabrics, Kings Fine Cooked Meats in Wigan; Orb Interiors, kitchen manufacturers based in Salford; Hilton Docker Mouldings, based in Rochdale; and 1860 Gel, based in Rochdale, an engineering business.
Launched in 2019 to help businesses digitalise, decarbonise and drive growth, the government-funded and industry-led initiative has helped 59 Northwest businesses with £1.3m towards 74 technology projects, worth £4.7m, after £3.4m in private sector investment. These manufacturers are forecasting their investments will create 275 new jobs, upskill more than 600 existing roles, and deliver an additional £47m in gross value added (GVA) for the region’s economy over the next three years.
Made Smarter’s pioneering technology adoption programme 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.
