Made Smarter powers SME manufacturers to invest £25m in technology

17 October, 2024

C-TEC has digitised its warehouse operations

330 businesses have now secured £7.1m matched funding from the government-funded, industry-backed initiative over the last six years, adopting technologies as diverse as sensors, robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence (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. What is more, 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 leading 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 world-renowned 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), 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.”

JJ Smith & Co. (Woodworking Machinery), has adopted robotics and software to accelerate its development of automation solutions aimed at simplifying manufacturing processes to the woodworking sector.

Ian Stanley, Sales Director, said: “We have a clear strategy for digital transformation and business growth. This technology can revolutionise our approach to programming and testing. This rapid turnaround time enables us to provide our customers with proof of concept swiftly and efficiently, enhancing our responsiveness and improving our chances of securing sales, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.