A Hyde manufacturer is the latest to secure support from a programme helping manufacturers boost productivity and growth using digital tools.

Visual Architects on Meadow Street, a designer and maker of venue interiors, is taking the next step on their digitalisation journey with the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West.

It means that the government funded and industry-led programme has reached a major milestone, having now backed its 200th technology project.

Visual Architects has invested in robotics, transforming its design and manufacturing capability and bringing in-house 70 per cent of its production.

Lefteris Angelidis, Managing Director, said: “Working with Made Smarter has been amazing from the start. The impartial mentoring at every stage has been fundamental in developing a plan of where we want to be over the coming years.

“Now with the event industry geared to open up again, we are in a really good position to drive forward our ambitions.”

Visual Architects is a designer and maker of venue interiors

Launched in 2019, the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West has now supported 161 businesses with £3.9 million matched funding for 201 projects, leveraging £10.5 million of private sector investment.

This includes 38 businesses in Greater Manchester who have secured grants worth £969,000 for 52 technology projects, valued at almost £3.3 million after private investment.

Some manufacturers are developing projects using emerging technologies which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes. Others are using 3D-printing, automation, and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.

In Greater Manchester, 222 new jobs will be created, 480 existing roles will be upskilled, and an additional £36.9 million in gross value added (GVA) for the region’s economy.

Donna Edwards, Programme Director for the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West, said: “Surpassing the milestone of 200 funded technology projects is a significant achievement for the Made Smarter adoption programme in the North West - and there is much more to come.

“Industry 4.0 is the future of manufacturing. Through it, the entire sector can reap endless rewards that will ultimately lead to considerable – and sustainable – growth. But upgrading to new technologies can seem like a complex and daunting task, and SMEs can miss out on significant improvements to their operations." 

Donna Edwards

She added: “Over the last two and half years we have developed a programme of wide-ranging support which cuts through the jargon to provide honest, impartial advice to help businesses identify the most effective digital tools, innovation and skills needed to make an everyday difference to their operations.

“I am delighted that so many manufacturing and engineering businesses of all sizes, from across all sectors, have realised the benefits of digital technology and would encourage other SMEs in the region to start their own conversation with us.”

For more information, visit www.madesmarter.uk

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