Four
furniture manufacturers have secured support from Made Smarter, the movement
helping SMEs join the Industry 4.0 revolution.
Fuse Contract Furniture (Blackburn), Integral Surface Design (Skelmersdale),
Starlight Bedrooms (Bolton) and Inscape Interiors (Chorley) have begun
working with the North West technology adoption pilot to help them introduce
digital tools and technologies to help boost productivity and growth, as well
as navigate the impact of Covid-19.
Almost 950 SME manufacturers have secured support, including specialised advice
and £2.5M of funding, since the launch of Made Smarter 18 months ago.
This support includes expert, impartial technology advice, digital roadmapping
workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps to transform their
business, leadership development programme developed in partnership with
Lancaster University, and funded digital technology internships.
104 of the businesses have now secured matched funding for 115 projects and are
forecast to deliver an additional £100M in gross value added (GVA) for the
North West economy over the next three years.
Some manufacturers are developing projects using 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.
By adopting cutting-edge technologies, these businesses benefit from improved
productivity and revenue, increased exports and job creation, an upskilled
workforce, lower energy bills, and a reduced carbon footprint.
Rob Barrows-Langford, Operations Director for Starlight Bedrooms, said: “We are
thrilled to have the support of Made Smarter in driving forward a technology
project which will bring real value to our company and customers. The project
will unlock growth potential and deliver enhanced resource efficiency and
employment opportunities.”
Donna Edwards, Programme Director for the Made Smarter North West pilot, said:
“Reaching 104 business and 115 funded projects is a fantastic achievement – and
there is much more to come.
“Over the last 18 months the Made Smarter team has engaged with hundreds of
makers from every corner of the region offering specialist advice about the
benefits to adopting new digital technology.
“I am thrilled that so many firms of all sizes have tapped into our expertise
to help them select the right approach for their business, how much to invest
and which technologies will bring the greatest benefits.
“The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on manufacturing and
resulted in widespread repercussions for the economy. Manufacturers have
reacted and adapted to the different circumstances they find their businesses
facing and technology has been at the heart of that response.
“While there is uncertainty, what is clear is that Made Smarter is needed more
than ever to help SMEs maintain their competitive edge using technology to come
back smarter and navigate the future.”
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