Cumbrian manufacturers are increasingly adopting digital technologies – with staggering results. So far, 35 of our region’s businesses have received funding from Made Smarter to the tune of around £700,000, designed specifically for investment in these tools. It’s anticipated that, collectively, this digital transformation will trigger 100 new jobs.
Initially a pilot in the North West, the Made Smarter programme has now been rolled out to five other regions. Here, Made Smarter’s Sarah Wooodhams explains more about the programme, as well as its success in Cumbria.
Impact in Cumbria
We’ve been supporting Cumbrian makers since we launched our programme in 2019. In that time, they’ve had to navigate a pandemic and a cost of living crisis. Yet the region’s SMEs have still been able to realise improved productivity and revenue, increase their exports, upskill their workforce, and reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills – all through the use of digital tools.
Our help has incorporated specialist, impartial, and fully funded advice to guide manufacturers on the best technologies for their particular business, as well as digital transformation workshops to outline the right steps to take towards digitalisation. In addition, we offer skills development and match grant funding by up to £20,000. Ultimately, we’re a partner they can rely on as they digitalise, decarbonise, and drive growth.
As for the types of technologies, these have included:
- Data and systems integration
- Sensors and the industrial internet of things
- Robotics and automation
- Additive manufacturing or 3D printing
- Extended reality and visualisation tools
And Cumbrian makers have put these to amazing use within their operations…
Ratio Technology
Ratio Technology is a bicycle component manufacturer in Kendal. With the help of a grant, they invested in a 3-axis CNC machining technology – a high-end piece of milling technology which enabled them to bring production in-house. It has transformed their business, enabling them to launch numerous new products. They’re now looking to hire new members of the team to support this growth.
Storth Engineering
Carnforth-based agricultural machine manufacturer Storth adopted a robot welder through match funding. A Made Smarter digital transformation workshop established the need for this machine and how it could help Storth address the inefficiencies within their business. As it works at twice the speed of a human, welding staff were able to be deployed to higher value, more rewarding and technically challenging roles. It proved particularly helpful during the pandemic when team members were self-isolating.
Bells of Lazonby
One of the earliest projects we funded was with Bells of Lazonby, a manufacturer of breads and baked goods. By adopting a laser pointer for their cake cutting, they achieved better portion control. Now that they’re able to increase accuracy, reduce waste, and speed up production, they’ve increased capacity and profitability as a result.
Fuel Exhausts
Fuel Exhausts are located in Kendal and are reaping the rewards of additive manufacturing. They manufacture high-quality motorcycle exhausts, and relied on Made Smarter support to invest in a 3D scanner that would capture digital versions of parts and components, as well as 3D CAD software and a 3D printer to create prototypes. They can now design and test product ideas virtually, speeding up the prototyping process by 14 times, boosting productivity and profitability, and drastically cutting waste and costs.
The Cumbria Clock Company
Penrith-based clock repair and restoration specialist The Cumbria Clock Company previously used manual processes to manage their work schedule. In partnership with Made Smarter, they introduced a bespoke digital management system with a corresponding app. This will lead to better efficiency, a reduced carbon footprint, and increased profit. They’re now looking into strengthening this with a digital chip tracking system, which will mean they can remotely monitor clock functions. They could then use the data captured to create a digital twin (a virtual replica) to write operations and maintenance manuals.
Move to a digital future with Made Smarter
If you’re interested in gaining support from the Made Smarter programme, get in touch with us at www.madesmarter.uk. We’d be more than happy to talk you through how technologies could positively impact your business, as well as the tools likely to make the biggest difference – and the available funding options to make it happen.