Greater Manchester manufacturers set to benefit from Made Smarter extension

Manufacturers in Greater Manchester are expected to benefit further from the Made Smarter programme that is helping them to modernise and adopt new digital technologies.

Launched as pilot in the North-west in 2018, the successes of the programme have seen it extended to continue supporting businesses in the region, as well as elsewhere in the North and Midlands.

Since its launch, Made Smarter has engaged with over 350 businesses in Greater Manchester. Companies can access a range of bespoke support and have secured £885,000 in matched funding for 47 projects, generating £2.2 million of private sector investment. The projects are forecast to deliver an additional £33 million for the city-region’s economy over the next three years and create 198 new jobs.

Stockport based clothing manufacturer Creative Apparel is one business that has taken part in the scheme and is harnessing new technology by building a fully digitised factory one mile away from its current base.

Made Smarter is supporting the company with two projects: the first is a project to automate its process from receiving orders through to production management and dispatch; the second is the development of a software programme which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to respond quicker and more effectively to fast fashion trends.

Creative Apparel’s ambition is to quadruple its production capacity, increase productivity by 30 per cent, and reduce waste by 20 per cent. Managing Director Phil Millar believes technology will help increase the company’s turnover fourfold within five years, creating 50 new jobs. He said:

By introducing digital technology and tools that reduce waste and consume less energy we want to prove that you can help save the planet and can save money.

“This isn’t just about buying new machinery, it’s about getting the best out of this technology, and understanding how to optimise the flow of garments through the factory during the manufacturing process. It’s an exciting time for Creative Apparel and we are grateful to Made Smarter for supporting the journey.”

Juergen Maier, Co-Chair of Made Smarter UK and GM LEP board member, said:

The benefits of adopting industrial digital technologies are exponential, but SMEs don’t always have the means to access these tools. It is therefore welcome news that Made Smarter can continue its crucial work helping Greater Manchester manufacturers become more productive.

“Made Smarter is a key part of a broader strategy to build on Greater Manchester’s heritage and put the city-region at the cutting edge of advanced materials and manufacturing.”

Over the next 12 months Made Smarter will be building on its success by supporting a further tranche of GM manufacturing companies to embark on their own digital transformation journey. To participate in the programme and benefit from the advice and support available, visit the Made Smarter website.