750 new manufacturing jobs forecast from Made Smarter investment

SME manufacturing businesses in the North-west to have benefited from the Made Smarter scheme are forecast to create 750 new jobs across the region from their adoption of new technology.

The North-west technology adoption pilot has worked with 1,131 businesses to introduce digital tools and technologies, provide advice to businesses and upskill workforces to boost productivity and growth for the sector.

Over the next three years, new technologies adopted by manufacturing firms in the North-west are expected to deliver a £118.9 million boost the region’s economic output, as well as create a further 761 new jobs, in addition to 1,585 upskilled workers as a result of the Made Smarter scheme.

Juergen Maier,  chair of Made Smarter, said:

I am delighted to see the positive impact that Made Smarter’s adoption pilot is having on individuals, businesses, the environment, and the UK economy.

“In the tumultuous times we face, it can be tempting to simply cut costs rather than invest. Yet, in the long term, this approach runs the risk of businesses getting left behind. For the UK manufacturing sector to thrive and become a world leader, we need to ?nd ways to encourage innovation and the adoption of digital technologies.”

Donna Edwards, North West Pilot Programme Director at Made Smarter, said:

Over the last two years the pilot has proven the value technology can bring to the manufacturing sector.

“We have helped hundreds of North West makers start their digital journey by providing them with specialist advice to help them select the right approach, level of investment and tools for their business.

“We have seen huge success with Made Smarter-supported businesses reporting growth, productivity and efficiency gains, job creation and high-value jobs. We’re also playing a crucial role in helping the UK reach its ambitious aim of net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050.

“Reaching 155 funded projects which will support 126 businesses create over 750 new jobs and the upskill almost 1,600 existing roles is a tremendous achievement.

“We are determined to continue reaching out to the region’s SME manufacturers to connect them to the tools that will make an everyday difference to their businesses. I would encourage manufacturers to contact Made Smarter to ensure they don’t miss out.”