Made Smarter, the movement accelerating the digital transformation of SME manufacturers, has backed 23 more North West businesses.
Edinburgh Weavers, the world-renowned textile manufacturer based in Bolton; Duo UK, a manufacturer of packaging products based in Manchester and Trekk Vans, a campervan conversion specialist based in Carlisle, are among the latest to secure grants of up to £20,000 towards new technology and digital tools.
It means the government-funded, industry-backed initiative has now reached a major milestone, supporting North West companies to invest £25m in new technologies.
330 businesses have now secured £7.1m matched funding 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.
Other companies getting help from Made Smarter in this round of funding include:
- J. J. Smith & Co. (Woodworking Machinery) Limited, 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;
- FDM Digital Solutions, based in Burnley;
- Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS), based in Burscough;
- Fusion Implants, based in Liverpool.
- One-O-Five Precision, based in Dalston;
- Premium Fabrications, based in Rochdale;
- Dobson and Beaumont, based in Blackburn;
- Northwest Waterjet, based in Chorley;
- Newfield Fabrications, based in Sandbach;
- Debron Fabrication, based in Widnes;
- S K Electronics, based in Oldham;
- IPEC, based in Stockport, will also invest in new technology.
