Made Smarter 4.0 adoption is vital ingredient for manufacturing investment
24 Jan 2024
Industrial mentoring organisation Made Smarter reports that small to medium sized manufacturers (SMEs) in the North West have invested £22 million in technology under its adoption programme, with food and drink firms prominent among the latest recruits.
Firms using the scheme have shared a total of £6.5 million in matching funding from the initiative, adopting technologies including sensors, robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence.
In the last five years, the estimated 350 technology projects have also been supported by £16 millions-worth of private sector investment. Made Smarter claims this will lead to the creation of around 1,600 jobs and result in a further 2,850 existing roles being upskilled, adding this could add £242 million to the economy over the next three years.
Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said: "I am incredibly proud of what the Made Smarter team has achieved over the last five years. These milestones are simultaneously a moment to celebrate, as well as a reminder that our work is by no means done.”
Process food and drink firms are among the latest wave of businesses to collaborate with Made Smarter, including Harbourside Products, Northern Pasta Company, Brightside Brewing Company, Just Bee Honey, Studio Bakery and Chandley Ovens.
Pic: Lance Friedrich, director of brewing operations, Brightside Brewing Co.
