Made Smarter, the North West business support scheme for innovative manufacturers, has announced that manufacturing SMEs across Lancashire have invested £7.6m in new technologies as part of the programme.
Ninety-five businesses in the county have now secured £2m matched funding from the government-funded, industry-backed initiative, adopting technologies as diverse as sensors, robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI).
Backed by £5.6m of private investment, these manufacturers are forecasting the creation of 522 jobs and 1,151 upskilled roles, boosting the County’s economy by £80m.
Twelve Lancashire manufacturers are among the latest wave to join Made Smarter, taking to 300 the number of businesses the programme has supported with tech investment.
They include Agenda Boxes & Packaging, manufacturers of packaging products, based in Nelson; Beagle Orthopaedic, manufacturers of orthopaedic equipment, based in Blackburn; Evertaut, manufacturers of stadium and auditorium seating, based in Blackburn; Studio Bakery, an artisan bakery specialising in traybakes and cakes, based in Clitheroe; and N & J Aluminium Linings, manufacturers of aluminium linings and accessories for 4×4 vehicles, based in Clitheroe.
With the government committing to continue the North West adoption programme as part of a UK roll out, more Lancashire manufacturers are being encouraged to connect with Made Smarter to access the funded support on offer.
This includes digital transformation workshops to create a digital roadmap, impartial and expert technology advice, leadership and skills training, as well as grant funding for digital internships and technology projects.
More information about the Made Smarter programme can be found via the Boost website here.
