£20m digital tech initiative to support 3,000 North West manufacturers

Made Smarter Juergen Maier
Made Smarter Juergen Maier

Industrial digital technologies (IDT), including robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and the Internet of Things (IoT) that could revolutionise manufacturing processes are the focus of a new £20 million initiative to help the North West’s manufacturing sector.

Industrial digital technologies (IDT), including robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and the Internet of Things (IoT) are the focus of a new £20 million initiative to help the North West’s manufacturing sector.

Officially launched in Liverpool and backed by government and some of the world’s biggest businesses, the Made Smarter North West programme is set to engage with 3,000 SME manufacturers based in Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region to boost productivity.

Companies that get involved in the project will get the chance to access match funded support and advice regarding how these IDTs could revolutionise their manufacturing processes and reap the benefits of more efficient production.

Around 600 North West manufacturing SMEs will also qualify for more intensive business support, gaining access to match-funded grants, bespoke consultancy, mentoring and other resources which will help them to accelerate commercial growth.

It is anticipated that by becoming a test-bed for new types of technologies and advanced processes, the region’s manufacturing sector could generate a 25% increase in productivity and add £115 million to the North West economy. Embracing the principles of Made Smarter could also help to open up new markets, increase exports and create thousands of additional high-skilled, high-value jobs in the region.

This follows an announcement in the recent budget that up to £121 million of additional Made Smarter programme funding would be made available across the country as part of government’s £1.1 billion Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

The Made Smarter Commission, a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the private sector, will oversee delivery of Made Smarter. Co-chaired by Business Secretary Greg Clark, and CEO of Siemens Juergen Maier, the commission includes representatives from 17 leading UK manufacturers, technology companies and business representative bodies.

As well as Siemens, who employ 2,000 people in the North West, other members of the Commission with a major presence in the North West region include Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, Airbus and Jaguar Land Rover.

Juergen Maier, CEO of Siemens, said: “Made Smarter has the potential to kick start a new industrial revolution for our manufacturing sector and be a catalyst for new investment in the latest digital technologies. At its core will be helping local businesses to innovate, creating new opportunities and technologies in the process. It’s a hugely exciting time for the North West, and I believe this is truly a once in a generational opportunity to boost productivity and create the high value, highly paid jobs of the future”

Made Smarter will be delivered across the North West through the Growth Hubs. Its regional roll-out will be co-ordinated by Donna Edwards, Managing Director for Business Support and Business Finance at the Manchester-based Growth Company.

Donna Edwards said: “Growth Hub advisers across the region regularly engage with manufacturers who are interested in adopting new hi-tech processes but are unsure how to go about it. There are also worries about how much to invest and deciding which technologies will bring the greatest benefits.

“Made Smarter North West has been developed specifically to address these needs, and through fully-funded advice, support and a programme of match-funded grants it will offer thousands of local companies the chance to tackle existing challenges, explore new ideas and drive economic growth.”

North West manufacturers who would like to register an interest in taking part in Made Smarter North West should contact their local business Growth Hub or visit the website below.

Made Smarter www.madesmarter.uk

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Made Smarter

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