en.Wedoany.com Reported - Thirty small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in Northwest England have received a total of £604,000 in grants through the government-backed Made Smarter program, driving £1.9 million in digital technology investments. This is expected to create over 90 new jobs and upskill more than 170 existing employees. The investments cover automation and robotics, digital inventory systems, production monitoring, cloud platforms, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Products range from bacon, beer, skincare products, sofas, playground equipment, workwear, furniture, lithium battery materials, electrical equipment, industrial machinery, and advanced engineering components, highlighting the diversity of Northwest manufacturing. These investments are projected to drive long-term growth exceeding £16.4 million.
Pure Lakes Skincare invested £39,000 in a HERMA 152C P wrap-around automatic labeling machine and a digital sensor air conditioning system, receiving a £20,000 grant, expected to create two new jobs and upskill eight positions. Todds of Kendal invested £42,000 in a Scaleroline A560 industrial slicer, receiving a £20,000 grant, expected to upskill five positions. Forest Sofa invested £48,000 in a GraphCut Elite 4025 CNC fabric cutting machine, receiving a £24,000 grant, expected to create two new jobs. Brightside Brewing Company invested £22,000 in a Carbo 6300 online carbon dioxide sensor, receiving an £11,000 grant. All companies anticipate that the new technologies will improve efficiency and increase capacity, driving long-term growth exceeding £16.4 million.
As manufacturers continue to face rising costs, skills shortages, and global supply chain uncertainties, these investments demonstrate the resilience of SMEs. In addition to grants, Made Smarter offers digital transformation workshops, technology advice, leadership and skills training, and a digital internship program.
Donna Edwards, Program Director of Made Smarter North West, stated that behind each project is a deliberate decision by businesses to innovate and enhance competitiveness. Despite ongoing economic pressures, manufacturers continue to invest, recognizing the necessity of digital technology to boost productivity, build resilience, and create high-skilled jobs. Claire McKeever, Director of Pure Lakes Skincare, noted that combining digital technology with skilled craftsmanship has helped the company become more competitive and resilient. Paul Hevey, Owner of Todds of Kendal, said the new slicer set a record for bacon slicing throughput during the Christmas season. Nick Shepherd, Managing Director of Forest Sofa, stated that the technology investment has shortened delivery times and created employee development opportunities. Carley Friedrich, Director of Brightside Brewing Company, said the carbon dioxide sensor was the final piece of the puzzle for their cask brewing process, improving product precision and quality.
Grants are still available, and eligible manufacturers can register with Made Smarter North West to explore support options.
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