Government-backed programme empowers manufacturers to embrace digital transformation, creating 1,850 new jobs and upskilling 3,300 workers
Made Smarter, the movement accelerating the digital transformation of SME manufacturers, has reached a landmark — funding its 400th technology adoption project in the North West.
The milestone was achieved after 25 more companies secured support to invest in digital tools and systems.
Over the last seven years, manufacturers have accessed £7.4 million in matched funding from the government-backed, industry-led programme. This has unlocked £26 million of investment in technologies ranging from sensors and robotics to 3D printing and artificial intelligence.
These investments are forecast to generate more than 1,850 new jobs and upskill 3,300 existing roles, while delivering a £276 million boost to the regional economy over the next three years.
Commenting on the milestone, Donna Edwards, Programme Director of Made Smarter, said: “Reaching our 400th funded technology project is a proud milestone for Made Smarter and a powerful demonstration of what manufacturers in the North West can achieve with the right support.
“Over the last seven years, we’ve seen hundreds of SMEs take confident steps towards digitalisation, boosting productivity, creating jobs, and laying the groundwork for long-term growth.
“What excites me most is that this is just the beginning. With every new project, we’re building a stronger, smarter manufacturing base — better equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow and lead the way in innovation, resilience, and sustainability.”
Among the latest wave of manufacturers to secure grants are businesses spanning all corners of the region.
In Cumbria, support has been awarded to:
- Creative Joinery + Design (Brampton) – specialists in bespoke commercial furniture and interior play areas;
- AR Technical Engineering Ltd (Carlisle) – Industrial pipework and packaged pipe systems.
Peter and Christopher Johnson, Co-owners of Creative Joinery + Design, said: “We’ve always prided ourselves on innovation and creativity, but introducing large-format 3D printing has taken that to a new level. The impact on our business is huge. It increases our production capacity, gives us the confidence to explore new markets and offer rapid prototyping services, and will support the creation of new jobs while upskilling our existing team.”
In Lancashire, funding has gone to:
- Parkdale Joinery (trading as English and Wood) (Preston) – High-end kitchens and architectural joinery
- Reverse Engineering North West Limited (RENWL) (Preston) – Precision machining
- Sona Shades Limited (Preston) – Smart blinds
- Birtwell & Co. Limited (Accrington) – Trade printers
- Jetchem Systems Ltd (Ramsbottom) – High-pressure water jetting equipment
Paul Bimpson, Owner and Managing Director of RENWL, said: “The support from Made Smarter has been instrumental in helping us take a significant step forward. Investing in the CNC fibre laser cutting machine means we can bring a key subcontracted process in-house, improving efficiency and creating a new subsidiary. This move will not only strengthen our capabilities, but also generate up to five new skilled jobs here in Preston, securing our growth for the future.”
In Liverpool City Region, support has been awarded to:
- H Miller Bros (Liverpool) – Hardwood kitchens
- Doorstore (Wirral) Limited (Birkenhead) – UPVC, composite, and wooden doors
- Surepac Limited (Liverpool) – Cardboard packaging solutions
- D Squared Product Development Ltd (Liverpool) – Design, engineering, and manufacturing consultancy.
Howard Miller, Director of H. Miller Bros, said: “Taking part in Made Smarter introduced us to a raft of ideas that completely transformed our business. The value from Made Smarter was in the detailed, bespoke advice for our business and in giving us the confidence to make big investments.”
In Greater Manchester, funding has gone to:
- Leighton Packaging Limited (Leigh) – Cardboard packaging solutions
- Framos Fabrications (Failsworth) – Metal fabrications
- Steely Products (Salford) – Tubular steel products
- The Bubble Panda Limited (Manchester) – Bubble tea kits
- Wawwa Limited (Manchester) – Sustainable clothing
- Blazing Limited (Bolton) – Condiments and food coatings
- Waterloo Business Management Ltd (Oldham) – Printer consumables destruction and recycling
- Darlington EMS Limited (Stockport) – Electronics for automotive and lifting equipment
- Approved Hydraulics Limited (Stockport) – Hydraulic equipment and components.
Mohammad Idrees, Managing Director of Blazing Limited, said: “We truly appreciate the support and opportunities that the Made Smarter programme offers to a business like ours. Its contribution towards our investment in automation is a pivotal step in our growth journey. This technology not only enhances our production capabilities but also enables us to scale efficiently while maintaining the quality and consistency our customers expect.”
In Cheshire and Warrington, support has been awarded to:
- Red Open Limited (Neston) – Aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling systems
- The Eclectic Lifestyle Company Limited (Chester) – Fragrances and lifestyle products
- Gas Safe Europe Limited (Chester) – Safety testing products for the gas industry
- Ashe Morris Ltd (trading as AM Technology) (Runcorn) – Continuous flow reactors for chemical and pharmaceutical production
- Eveque Leisure Equipment (Northwich) – Educational sports equipment
John Pattinson, Owner of The Eclectic Lifestyle Company, said: “Without Made Smarter’s advice and funding, we simply couldn’t have made this investment. Technology is a catalyst for our ambitions, but it’s our people — family and trusted colleagues — who are driving this change. We’re growing sustainably, and together.”
As well as grant funding, Made Smarter offers SME manufacturers a range of support, including digital transformation workshops, impartial technology advice, leadership and skills training, and a digital internship programme.
To learn more about how Made Smarter can help your business to innovate and grow, visit www.madesmarter.uk