Grant funding awarded to 23 North-west manufacturers

23 SME manufacturers across the North-west have secured grant funding to digitalise operations and invest in new technologies.

Support from the Made Smarter programme has now supported 330 businesses with in the region with £7.1 million in matched funding fom the government-backed scheme over the last six years. Grants have helped the region’s SME manufacturers to embrace technologies including sensors, robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence to modernise their processes.

Made Smarter’s funding panel, which comprises leading figures from across the worlds of business, government and academia, offers grants of up to £20,000 towards new technology and digital tools.

The latest round of grants saw 23 SME manufacturers and engineering firms across the North-west secure funding, including one in Stockport: IPEC, which will use the grant to invest in new technology. The business specialises in partial discharge monitoring equipment for electrical equipment.

Donna Edwards, director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said:

“These technology projects will have a tremendous impact on individuals, businesses, the sector and society.

“They will boost efficiency, productivity and growth, creating new jobs and upskilling existing roles, all while shifting the dial on creating a more sustainable approach to manufacturing. 

“I welcome these 23 companies into the Made Smarter family. Alongside the hundreds who have already reaped the rewards of the adoption programme, we have now invested over £25m into the digital transformation of the sector.”