​Made Smarter reaches major milestone backing 200th business

30 November, 2021

SME manufacturers have secured £4.6M matched funding for 241 projects, worth £16M after private sector investment.

Technologies that integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes, are being used to drive efficiencies and reduce waste. Meanwhile, 3D-printing, automation, and robotics are being used to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.

These investments are forecasting the creation of 1,177 new jobs and 2,205 upskilled roles, and are forecast to deliver an additional £192.9M in gross value added (GVA) for the North West economy over the next three years.

Among the latest wave of manufacturers starting their journey to use technology to benefit their business, their bottom line and the environment are:

Derek Rose, a textile manufacturer in Congleton; Protea, a manufacturer of emissions monitoring systems in Middlewich; G.B. Engineering, a parts and tooling manufacturer in Nantwich; Qualkem, a manufacturer of eco-friendly domestic cleaning products in Crewe; Ennerdale Brewery, a craft beer maker in Rowrah; Stramongate Press in Kendal; David Holliday Kitchens, a furniture maker in Carlisle; English Lakes Ice Cream in Kendal; Arden Dies, a die and tooling manufacturer in Stockport; Dean Group International, metal casting specialists in Irlam; Belle Design and Print, a manufacturer of printed materials in Salford; Firstplay Dietary Foods, a promin low protein product maker in Stockport; Arrow Engineering Components, a manufacturer of precision-machined components in Salford; Private White VC, a luxury clothing manufacturer in Manchester; Star Cutouts, a manufacturer of lifesize cardboard cut-outs in Ashton-under-Lyne; Business Insight 3, a security technology business in Preston; Northern Diver (International), a manufacturer of divewear and scuba diving equipment in Appley Bridge; Stirling Moulded Composites, a plastics manufacturer in Burnley; Fitzpatrick Bourne Flexible, a manufacturer of filter materials for pyramid tea bags in Rossendale; Lantex, a textile manufacturer in Accrington; Linx Paper, a toilet paper manufacturer in Preston; Kavia Tooling, a manufacturer of precision injection mould tools in Burnley; Morrow Brothers, a brewery container repair and refurbishment specialist in Chorley; Mantle Packaging Machinery, a food packaging machinery manufacturer in Clitheroe; CoolKit, a specialist manufacturer of temperature controlled vehicles in Burnley; SolidTek, manufacturers of environmentally- friendly chemical systems in Knowsley; and ULEMCo, specialists in hydrogen solutions in Aintree.

Meanwhile, several manufacturers who have already experienced the benefits of Made Smarter support, are taking the next step in their digitalisation journey, including:

Art Graphics UK, a manufacturer of bespoke art presentations in Bollington; Blease Engineering, a manufacturer of precision machine components, sub-assemblies and fabrications in Warrington; ESL Fuels, a fuel producer and supplier in Chester; Hudson Swan, an engineering and fabrication business in Workington; MSM aerospace fabricators, an advanced engineering company in Middleton; Astropol, a colour masterbatch and additive specialist in Wigan; Dan Hurtley Installs, a furniture manufacturer in Lancaster; Fairbrother & Grimshaw Engineering in Blackburn; Pendle Doors in Darwen; and The Protein Lab (UK), a manufacturer of protein powders and supplements in Blackpool.