The Made Smarter programme, which aims to help manufacturers boost productivity and growth using digital tools, has reached a major milestone, having now backed its 200th technology project. Burscough-based Bloom-in-Box are just one of the latest businesses in Lancashire to secure support from the programme.
Bloom-in-Box, which is a manufacturer of eco-friendly plastic products, has invested in an electrical injection moulding machine which increases production speed and quality, enabling the business to increase production capacity by between 25-40 per cent.
David Reardon, Bloom-in-Box director, said:
“We believe that investing in the next generation of moulding machines will develop a more digitalised manufacturing environment aimed at improving efficiency, expanding production capacity, and generating more revenue. This will allow us to expand and invest in new ideas, create jobs and develop more environmental products.”
“Made Smarter has accelerated our ambitions by years. Its support has really driven forward our plans to design and manufacture plastic products with more than just one life.”
Meanwhile, some businesses which have already experienced the benefits of the government funded and industry-led programme are now taking the next step on their digitalisation journeys, including another Burscough-based business Nutree Life who are a healthy and innovative nutritional product manufacturer.
Made Smarter: UK Digital Manufacturing advice & innovation
Launched in 2019, the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West has now supported 161 businesses with £3.9M matched funding for 201 projects. 51 businesses in Lancashire have now secured grants worth £1.25M for 63 technology projects.
Across the Lancashire, this transformative technology adoption is forecast to create 73 new jobs, upskill 843 existing roles, and deliver an additional £61M in gross value added (GVA) for the region’s economy.
Since 2019 Made Smarter has engaged with 1,266 businesses in the region to help them introduce digital tools and technologies to help boost productivity and growth and navigate the impact of Covid-19. Some manufacturers are developing projects using emerging technologies which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes. Others are using 3D-printing, automation, and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.
Over 80 per cent of SMEs working with Made Smarter to adopt cutting-edge technologies have seen a boost in productivity.
Donna Edwards, Programme director for the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the region, said:
“Surpassing the milestone of 200 funded technology projects is a significant achievement and there is much more to come.
“Industry 4.0 is the future of manufacturing. Through it, the entire sector can reap endless rewards that will ultimately lead to considerable – and sustainable – growth.
“Over the last two and half years we have developed a programme of wide-ranging support which cuts through the jargon to provide honest, impartial advice to help businesses identify the most effective digital tools, innovation and skills needed to make an everyday difference to their operations.
“I am delighted so many manufacturing and engineering businesses of all sizes, from across all sectors, have realised the benefits of digital technology.”