Greater Manchester manufacturers are investing £1.3 million in digital technologies to boost productivity, create jobs and accelerate growth, with support from Made Smarter North West.
Fifteen businesses across the city-region have secured a combined £396,000 of grant funding through the Government-backed adoption programme.
In Stockport, support has been awarded to Arden Dies, a cutting dies and tooling solutions manufacturer, and playground equipment manufacturer Massey & Harris.
In Tameside, funding has gone to garment digital printing specialist Identity Printing and creative interiors manufacturer Visual Architects, both based in Denton, alongside Orrell Filtration, a manufacturer of filter sleeves, bulk bags and dust extraction consumables, and cable management products manufacturer Plastube, both based in Stalybridge.
In Rochdale, support has been awarded to D & M Pattern and Tooling, a tooling and precision-engineered components manufacturer, and electrical switchgear manufacturer R&B Switchgear, both based in Heywood.
Elsewhere across Greater Manchester, support has been awarded to independent craft brewery Brightside Brewing in Radcliffe, contract toll manufacturer Maker Industrial Products in Bury, upholstery manufacturer Forest Sofa and large-format graphics specialist PP Graphics in Salford, commercial furniture manufacturer Saxon Furniture in Bolton, and Wigan-based manufacturers Kane International and Ultimat Defence.
Together, the projects are forecast to create 66 new jobs, upskill 80 existing workers and support growth in Greater Manchester expected to exceed £9.4 million.
These 17 businesses form part of a wider wave of digital transformation across the North West, with 30 manufacturers collectively investing £1.9 million in new equipment, software and systems designed to improve efficiency, increase capacity, strengthen competitiveness and support long-term regional growth expected to exceed £16.4 million.
The investment demonstrates resilience at a time when manufacturers continue to navigate rising costs, skills shortages and global supply chain uncertainty. Rather than standing still, these SMEs are investing in technologies that will improve productivity, unlock capacity and build resilience.
With further funding available, Greater Manchester manufacturers looking to adopt digital technologies are encouraged to register with Made Smarter North West and explore the support on offer.
Donna Edwards, Programme Director of Made Smarter North West, said: “Behind each of these projects is a business making a deliberate decision to innovate, grow and become more competitive.
“What is particularly encouraging is that manufacturers are continuing to invest despite ongoing economic pressures. They recognise that digital technologies are no longer a nice-to-have, they are essential to improving productivity, building resilience and creating the skilled jobs that will drive future growth.
“Made Smarter’s continued success is built on combining expert advice with practical support that gives businesses the confidence to take those next steps. By helping manufacturers identify the right technologies and access funding to accelerate adoption, we are enabling more businesses to unlock growth opportunities and build stronger, more sustainable futures.”
As well as grant funding, Made Smarter offers SME manufacturers a range of support, including digital transformation workshops, impartial technology advice, leadership and skills training, and a digital internship programme.
To learn more about how Made Smarter can help your business innovate and grow, visit www.madesmarter.uk
