Manufacturers across Tees Valley are being urged to tap into
funding and support to use digital technology to grow their
businesses.
Made Smarter provides grant funding and access to free expert
advice on digital adoption to manufacturing SMEs – and the scheme
is now offering further opportunities after being expanded.
More than 150 North East manufacturers have already taken part in
the programme, which encourages firms invest in new digital
technology and processes to grow their business.
The Expanded Metal Company, an award-winning manufacturer of
expanded metal mesh products based in Stockton, used Made Smarter
develop a bespoke digital roadmap for the business.
With grant funding from Made Smarter, The Expanded Metal Company
was able to part-fund the purchase of a cobot welding machine;
helping to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve
quality across the business.
Ryan Pinder, Exmesh Operations Manager & Head of Continuous
Improvement at The Expanded Metal Company, said: “Everyone in the
business is fully on board with our future plans because they can
see the positive impact. The Made Smarter programme has really
benefitted the business.
“One of the great things about the cobot is that it's able to do
the things people didn't enjoy doing, meaning we can move staff
onto doing more bespoke jobs, which helps with retention. It also
means we can expand the business to take on more of those jobs
too.”
Manufacturing businesses that sign up to take part in Made
Smarter benefit from training to understand what technology is
available, and how and where it can be implemented; workshops and
networking opportunities with other North East manufacturers; and
grants of up to £23.5k to access expert technical advice and
support the purchase of new machinery and technology.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Our small and medium
manufacturing businesses are the bedrock of our local economy and
it's essential they get the right support to grow, invest and
create jobs.
“Made Smarter provides vital, targeted funding and advice by
focusing on digital technology and the huge benefits it can bring
to our local companies - I would strongly encourage any
interested firms to get more information and apply.”
Made Smarter is open to manufacturing SMEs (under 250 employees)
working in the manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors
in Tees Valley. To find out more, visit Tees Valley Made
Smarter or email business@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk
An event Made Smarter: Developing your Digital Future will be
held at The Curve at Teesside University on March 12 to provide
further information and discussion of the programme. To register
follow this link
