Made Smarter Reaches 400th Project Milestone in the North West

The Made Smarter program, backed by the government, has hit a remarkable milestone by supporting its 400th technology adoption project in the North West of England. This achievement is a significant step forward in the ongoing mission to digitally transform the region's manufacturing industry.

This milestone was reached after the latest round of support for 25 manufacturers, allowing them to invest in cutting-edge digital tools and systems. Over the past seven years, the initiative has funneled £7.4 million in matched government funding into the sector, unlocking a total of £26 million in technology investments, which include sensors, robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence.

These investments are expected to create over 1,850 new jobs and enhance the skills of more than 3,300 existing employees, contributing an estimated £276 million to the regional economy in the next three years.

Driving Regional Innovation and Growth

Commenting on the milestone, Donna Edwards, Programme Director of Made Smarter, said: “Reaching our 400th funded technology project is a proud milestone for Made Smarter and a powerful demonstration of what manufacturers in the North West can achieve with the right support.
“Over the last seven years, we’ve seen hundreds of SMEs take confident steps towards digitalisation, boosting productivity, creating jobs, and laying the groundwork for long-term growth.
“What excites me most is that this is just the beginning. With every new project, we’re building a stronger, smarter manufacturing base — better equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow and lead the way in innovation, resilience, and sustainability.”

Recent Beneficiaries Across Key Sectors

The latest recipients include manufacturers from a diverse array of sectors, showcasing the program’s wide-ranging impact.

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Here’s the text we’re looking at: Furniture and Joinery

• Creative Joinery + Design (Brampton)
• Parkdale Joinery (operating as English and Wood) (Preston)
• H Miller Bros (Liverpool)
• Doorstore (Wirral) Ltd (Birkenhead)

Peter and Christopher Johnson, Co-owners of Creative Joinery + Design, said: “We’ve always prided ourselves on innovation and creativity, but introducing large-format 3D printing has taken that to a new level. The impact on our business is huge. It increases our production capacity, gives us the confidence to explore new markets and offer rapid prototyping services, and will support the creation of new jobs while upskilling our existing team.”

Engineering and Precision Manufacturing

• Framos Fabrications (Failsworth)
• Reverse Engineering North West Ltd (Preston)
• AR Technical Engineering Ltd (Carlisle)
• Steely Products (Salford)

Paul Bimpson, Managing Director at RENWL, mentioned:
“The support from Made Smarter has been instrumental in helping us take a significant step forward. Investing in the CNC fibre laser cutting machine means we can bring a key subcontracted process in-house, improving efficiency and creating a new subsidiary. This move will not only strengthen our capabilities, but also generate up to five new skilled jobs here in Preston, securing our growth for the future.”

Food and Drink

• Blazing Ltd (Bolton)
• The Bubble Panda Ltd (Manchester)

Mohammad Idrees, Managing Director of Blazing Ltd, remarked:
“We truly appreciate the support and opportunities that the Made Smarter programme offers to a business like ours. Its contribution towards our investment in automation is a pivotal step in our growth journey.”

Construction

• Red Open Ltd (Neston)
• Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals
• Ashe Morris Ltd (trading as AM Technology) (Runcorn)

Packaging

• Surepac Ltd (Liverpool)
• Leighton Packaging Ltd (Leigh)

Consumer Goods and Lifestyle

• The Eclectic Lifestyle Company Ltd (Chester)
• Wawwa Ltd (Manchester)
• Sona Shades Ltd (Preston)

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Here’s the text we’re looking at: John Pattinson, the Owner of The Eclectic Lifestyle Company, said: “Without Made Smarter’s advice and funding, we simply couldn’t have made this investment. Technology is a catalyst for our ambitions, but it's our people — family and trusted colleagues — who are driving this change. We’re growing sustainably, and together.”

Printing and Associated Services

• Birtwell & Co. Ltd (Accrington)
• Waterloo Business Management Ltd (Oldham)

Specialist Manufacturing

• Jetchem Systems Ltd (Ramsbottom)
• Darlington EMS Ltd (Stockport)
• Approved Hydraulics Ltd (Stockport)
• D Squared Product Development Ltd (Liverpool)
• Gas Safe Europe Ltd (Chester)
• Eveque Leisure Equipment (Northwich)

Tom Bunner, the Managing Director at Eveque Leisure Equipment, mentioned: “Made Smarter supported us in developing a clear and practical strategy. Our latest investment is a state-of-the-art UV printer. We’re now continuing to expand our manufacturing capabilities, building on that strong foundation to support future growth.”

Comprehensive Support Beyond Funding

Beyond just financial backing, the Made Smarter program provides a range of services for SME manufacturers. This includes digital transformation workshops, unbiased technology consulting, leadership and workforce development, and a digital internship program.

To learn more about how Made Smarter can assist your business in innovating and growing, check out www.madesmarter.uk.