Two Stockport manufacturers are investing in digital technologies with support from Made Smarter North West in a bid to boost productivity, strengthen competitiveness and support future growth.
Die manufacturer, Arden Dies and Massey & Harris (pictured), which makes playground equipment, are among 30 manufacturers across the North West to secure support through the Government-backed adoption programme.
These businesses form part of a wider wave of digital transformation across the North West, with 30 manufacturers collectively investing £1.9 million in new equipment, software and systems designed to improve efficiency, increase capacity, strengthen competitiveness and support long-term regional growth expected to exceed £16.4 million.
The investment demonstrates resilience at a time when manufacturers continue to navigate rising costs, skills shortages and global supply chain uncertainty. Rather than standing still, these SMEs are investing in technologies that will improve productivity, unlock capacity and build resilience.
With further funding available, eligible manufacturers looking to adopt digital technologies are encouraged to register with Made Smarter North West and explore the support on offer.
Donna Edwards, Programme Director of Made Smarter North West, said:
“Behind each of these projects is a business making a deliberate decision to innovate, grow and become more competitive.
“What is particularly encouraging is that manufacturers are continuing to invest despite ongoing economic pressures. They recognise that digital technologies are no longer a nice-to-have, they are essential to improving productivity, building resilience and creating the skilled jobs that will drive future growth.
“Made Smarter’s continued success is built on combining expert advice with practical support that gives businesses the confidence to take those next steps. By helping manufacturers identify the right technologies and access funding to accelerate adoption, we are enabling more businesses to unlock growth opportunities and build stronger, more sustainable futures.”
Arden Dies is a manufacturer of cutting dies and tooling solutions for the packaging industry. The business invested £227,000 in a rubbering robot, supported by a £50,000 grant.
Sarah Poynter, Operations Director at Arden Dies, said:
“Investing in this new rubbering robot is another important step in our digital transformation journey. The technology will help us improve productivity, increase consistency and create capacity within the business, while supporting our ambition to remain at the forefront of die manufacturing in the UK. Made Smarter has played a significant role in helping us embrace new technologies and develop the skills needed to maximise their impact.”
Massey & Harris is a manufacturer of playground equipment. The business invested £9,000 in the Unleashed Inventory Management System, a cloud-based ERP solution, supported by a £4,500 grant. Matt Richardson, Product Manager, said:
“Investing in the right technology at the right time is critical for a business like ours, and Made Smarter made that decision much easier. The grant support was meaningful, but just as valuable was having access to the expert guidance that helped us identify the right solution for where we want to take the business. We’re confident that this investment will improve how we operate day to day and support the roles and team.”
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