Lancashire manufacturers invest £7.6m in tech with Made Smarter

By Antao Greer Communications

25 Jan 2024

Studio Bakery (1).jpg.jpg

SME manufacturers across Lancashire have invested £7.6m in technology, supported by Made Smarter’s trailblazing adoption programme in the North West.

Ninety-five businesses in the county have now secured £2m matched funding from the government-funded, industry-backed initiative, adopting technologies as diverse as sensors, robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI).

Backed by £5.6m of private investment, these manufacturers are forecasting the creation of 522 jobs and 1,151 upskilled roles, boosting the county’s economy by £80m.

Twelve Lancashire manufacturers are among the latest wave to join Made Smarter, taking to 300 the number of businesses the programme has supported with tech investment. They include: Agenda Boxes & Packaging, manufacturers of packaging products, based in Nelson; Beagle Orthopaedic, manufacturers of orthopaedic equipment, based in Blackburn; Evertaut, manufacturers of stadium and auditorium seating, based in Blackburn; Studio Bakery, an artisan bakery specialising in traybakes and cakes, based in Clitheroe; and N & J Aluminium Linings, manufacturers of aluminium linings and accessories for 4x4 vehicles, based in Clitheroe.

Agenda Boxes & Packaging is investing in 3D design software with Made Smarter.

Gary Barker, managing director, said: “Thanks to Made Smarter we can now offer a full design service. This will help increase productivity, reduce our carbon footprint, create more jobs and upskill our workforce.

“The software has been a key element in our growth, and we look forward to the years ahead.”

Evertaut is targeting significant growth in global markets by investing in new software which connects disparate systems and enables real-time visibility of all operations.

Chris Smalley, co-owner, said: “The gains of this new technology are quite staggering. We are going to have real-time access to production data for the first time. This will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of the business. 

“We couldn’t grow at the rate we are predicting without investing in new technology, and we have Made Smarter to thank for that.”

Allison Metcalf, managing director of Studio Bakery, used Made Smarter support to create a digital roadmap and then invest in a new cutting machine.

She said: "Working with Made Smarter has been transformational for our bakery business.  At a time where we were rapidly expanding, they were there to support us. New technology has increased our productivity and made us more efficient. We're now able to meet our increased orders and we're ready for the next stage of our expansion.”

Julia Buchanan, director of N & J Aluminium Linings, said: “Made Smarter has guided, supported, and nurtured our business to be able to invest in new technology and skills. "Through the purchase of CAD drawing software we have been able to enhance our manufacturing and unlock potential for innovation. We have even recruited a CAD design apprentice so that we can take full advantage of our new technology and advancements. 

"Made Smarter has also opened up access to a new network of SME manufacturing leaders.

“There is no doubt our business has benefited from Made Smarter’s knowledge and support, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the programme to any SME looking to grow.”

Chris Williams, design manager for Beagle Orthopaedic, said: “Beagle Orthopaedic has cemented itself as one of the UK's leading manufacturers and providers of orthopaedic products and have achieved this through a commitment to innovation and a loyal and talented workforce. 

“Technology offers us an opportunity to make more of our quality products, with the aim of improving patient outcomes, creating a skilled workforce fit for the future, and driving our sustainability goals.”

“Made Smarter helped in supporting us with a grant towards the first of our digital machines which allows the high-volume product parts to be sewn in the most efficient and consistent way possible.  The new technology which will have a huge impact on the business and is the start of Beagle creating a digital strategy and roadmap for future investment.”

Meanwhile, other manufacturers taking on new tech with Made Smarter guidance include: Bailprint Labels, manufacturers of self-adhesive labels, based in Chorley; Carvansons, a fragrance manufacturer, based in Haslingden, Rossendale; Crozier Campers, a campervan converter, based in Poulton-le-Fylde; English Trading Company, a manufacturer of contract textiles and soft furnishings, based in Chorley; Neal Jones Furniture, manufacturers of super yacht and residential furniture, based in Lancaster; Northern Hi-Tec, trading as NHT Electronics, an electronics manufacturer, based in Lancaster; and Polycover, a flexible packaging materials manufacturer, based in Blackpool.

Since 2019, SME manufacturers across the North West have invested £22m in new technologies, forecasting the creation of almost 1,600 new jobs, over 2,850 upskilled roles, and adding £242m to the economy over the next three years.

With the government committing to continue the North West adoption programme as part of a UK roll out, manufacturers are being urged to connect with Made Smarter to access the funded support on offer. This includes digital transformation workshops to create a digital roadmap, impartial and expert technology advice, leadership and skills training, as well as grant funding for digital internships and technology projects.

Donna Edwards, director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said:  "I am incredibly proud of what the Made Smarter team has achieved over the last five years. These milestones are simultaneously a moment to celebrate, as well as a reminder that our work is by no means done. 

“Our mission is to engage with the thousands of manufacturers out there who we are certain could benefit from our support. As such we are redoubling our efforts to reach more businesses, and to inspire and inform them about the benefits of technology adoption.

"For many this may be helping them take the first step to digitise manual and paper-based systems or using sensors to capture vital production data. But for others with a digital infrastructure in place, they may be ready for more sophisticated, boundary-pushing technologies such as analytics, machine learning and AI, which are evolving at unprecedented speed.

"Digital isn’t coming – it’s arrived. Adopting technologies at the right time and in the right way is the key to unlocking real benefits for industry, society and the planet."

Latest news

1

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception Networking photograph

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception

24 Apr 2025

2

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities Head of Lancaster University's School of Computing and Communications Professor Nigel Davies, Chris Ensor, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Sarah Kemp

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities

24 Apr 2025

3

Northcote announces new owners Alf and Clare Ellis as Lisa Goodwin-Allen returns as chef patron-director Craig Bancroft and Lisa Goodwin-Allen

Northcote announces new owners Alf and Clare Ellis as Lisa Goodwin-Allen returns as chef patron-director

24 Apr 2025

4

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid inspired-500x500.png

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid

23 Apr 2025

5

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire. Thompsons meeting (1).png.png

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire.

22 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin