FIVE Tameside manufacturers are investing in new technology to improve productivity, expand their businesses and create new jobs with support from the Made Smarter North West programme.
Northpoint in Dukinfield, Identity Printing and Visual Architects in Denton, along with Orrell Filtration and Plastube in Stalybridge, are among 30 manufacturers across the region receiving support through the government-backed adoption programme.
Together, the businesses are investing in new equipment, software and systems as part of a £1.9 million wave of digital upgrades, with the projects expected to generate more than £16.4 million in wider regional growth.
The investment comes as manufacturers continue to face challenges including rising costs, skills shortages and uncertainty in global supply chains, with businesses turning to technology to improve efficiency and remain competitive.
Dukinfield-based Northpoint, which produces powder coating solutions, invested £66,000 in a new cloud-based ERP system, supported by a £20,000 grant. The project is expected to create two jobs and upskill 22 existing employees.
Project Manager Dominika Dziedzic said: “The investment is a big step forward for our business, helping us modernise how we work and improve efficiency. It’s also given us more confidence to grow and explore new opportunities.
“Our experience with Made Smarter has been really positive. We really valued the ongoing support, including being invited to various workshops to help us manage and get the most out of the implementation.”
Denton-based Identity Printing invested £45,000 in a new digital printing system, supported by a £20,000 grant, with the project expected to create three jobs and upskill two members of staff.
Business Development Director Leo Stanley said: “Working with Made Smarter has been a really positive experience. The support has helped us invest in new technology that will make a real difference to the way we operate as a business.
“It allows us to expand our product range, improve efficiency, and offer our customers something more innovative within garment decoration. It also supports our plans for growth, including creating new roles within the business and upskilling members of our existing team.”
Visual Architects has invested £175,000 in advanced 3D printing technology, supported by a £50,000 grant, while Stalybridge businesses Orrell Filtration and Plastube have also upgraded their manufacturing processes.
Orrell Filtration invested £42,000 in new automated equipment, supported by a £20,000 grant.
Co-owner Owen Connah said: “This investment is bringing much-needed modernisation to our factory floor. Staff have quickly taken to the new system that allows us to increase production output potential in our very limited floorspace, which is impossible without technology investment.”
Plastube invested £12,000 in upgrading a semi-automatic assembly machine into a fully automated production line, supported by a £6,000 grant.
Managing Director Simon Barrow commented: “With rising wage and energy costs, we have to find efficiencies wherever we can. Moving from a semi-automatic to a fully automated process frees up a team member to focus on other tasks, increasing productivity and helping us remain competitive.
“Made Smarter supported us throughout the application process, making it straightforward and easy. The grant has enabled us to complete the project, which will help increase sales and support future growth.”
Donna Edwards, Programme Director of Made Smarter North West, said the projects showed manufacturers were continuing to invest despite economic pressures.
“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.”
The programme offers further support to eligible manufacturers, including digital transformation workshops, technology advice, leadership training and funding opportunities.