Six Cumbrian manufacturers are investing £226,000 in digital technologies.
Made Smarter North West is supporting the six projects that are being backed by a government-funded adoption programme forecast to create 11 jobs and upskill 32 workers.
Accurite Industries in Ulverston, Firpress Printers in Workington, Noisekillers in Flookburgh, Pure Lakes Skincare in Far Sawrey, Sidas UK and Todds of Kendal in Kendal are among 30 manufacturers across the North West to secure support through the programme.
The projects are forecast to create 11 jobs, upskill 32 workers and add £1.8 million to the local economy.
The six Cumbrian businesses also form part of a wider wave of digital transformation across the North West, with 30 manufacturers collectively investing £1.9 million in new equipment, software and systems designed to improve efficiency, increase capacity, strengthen competitiveness and support long-term regional growth expected to exceed £16.4 million.
Accurite Industries, a manufacturer of stoneworking machinery, invested £38,000 in a secure remote after-sales diagnostics and servicing platform, supported by a £19,000 grant.
The project is forecast to create two new jobs and upskill three existing roles.
Mark Brownlee, owner, said: “The stone industry has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies, but remote machine diagnostics is a game-changer for how we support our customers.
“This investment was only possible thanks to Made Smarter’s technology funding, which has enabled us to embrace innovation and deliver real benefits for both our business and our customers.”
Firpress Printers, a printing, design, signage and promotional products business, invested £40,000 in PrintIQ, a cloud-based management information system, supported by a £20,000 grant.
The project is forecast to create three new jobs.
Kerri Black, co-owner, said: “Made Smarter gave us the confidence to take a step we simply wouldn’t have taken on our own.
“The new system will transform the way we operate, reducing administration, improving visibility across the business and helping us respond more quickly to customers.
“It’s about having the right tools in place to make better decisions, work more efficiently and grow the business at a pace that’s sustainable and right for us.”
Noisekillers, a manufacturer of automotive soundproofing products, invested £45,000 in a Zund G3 XL1600 digital cutting system and Zund Cut Manager software, supported by a £20,000 grant.
The project is forecast to create one new job and upskill one existing role.
Dan Smith, Director, said: “I am extremely pleased with the guidance and support given to me by Made Smarter who helped me every step of the way along my journey to get the grant.
“I wouldn’t have been able to afford to make this crucial next step without them and can already see that this has streamlined the business and given it the chance to thrive.”
Sidas UK, a specialist footcare, orthotic and footwear solutions manufacturer, invested £20,000 in three integrated cloud-based platforms for inventory management, financial automation and customer relationship management, supported by a £10,000 grant.
The project is forecast to create two new jobs and upskill five existing roles.
Neil Gibbons, Operations Director, said: “Made Smarter has been a valuable partner in accelerating our digital transformation.
“The investment has increased productivity, improved resilience across the business and provided a scalable platform to support future growth in an increasingly competitive market.”
Todds of Kendal, a manufacturer of bacon and meat products, invested £42,000 in a Scaleroline A560 industrial slicer, supported by a £20,000 grant.
Paul Hevey, Owner, said: “Investing in our new bacon slicing machine has enabled us to offer a bespoke slicing service while significantly improving efficiency.
“Working with the Made Smarter team was an excellent experience and I would highly recommend the programme to any business looking to invest in growth and innovation.”
Pure Lakes Skincare, a manufacturer of natural skincare and wellbeing products, invested £39,000 in a HERMA 152C P wrap-around automated labelling machine and a digital sensor air conditioning system, supported by a £20,000 grant.
The project is forecast to create two new jobs and upskill eight existing roles.
Claire McKeever, director, said: “The support from Made Smarter has had a huge impact on Pure Lakes.
“Productivity is the holy grail of manufacturing and combining cutting edge digital technology with our skilled artisan workforce has really helped us become a much more competitive and resilient business.”
Donna Edwards, programme director of Made Smarter North West, said: “Behind each of these projects is a business making a deliberate decision to innovate, grow and become more competitive.
“What is particularly encouraging is that manufacturers are continuing to invest despite ongoing economic pressures.
“They recognise that digital technologies are no longer a nice-to-have, they are essential to improving productivity, building resilience and creating the skilled jobs that will drive future growth.
“Made Smarter’s continued success is built on combining expert advice with practical support that gives businesses the confidence to take those next steps.
“By helping manufacturers identify the right technologies and access funding to accelerate adoption, we are enabling more businesses to unlock growth opportunities and build stronger, more sustainable futures.”
