Tech grants available for North West SME manufacturers
SME manufacturers in the North West are being encouraged to apply for match-funded grants that support technology projects at their companies.
Made Smarter is offering match-funded grants of up to £20,000 to help SMEs adopt advanced technologies including robotics, automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and additive manufacturing.
Businesses that register for the £1m programme also gain access to a suite of support, including fully funded technology advice, digital roadmap development, leadership and skills training, and student placement opportunities.
One company to benefit from Made Smarter support is Foams 4 Sports, a manufacturer of sports safety equipment based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester. The company, which supplies the NHS, martial arts clubs, prisons, schools, and outdoor venues, used its grant to automate a manual cutting process by investing in a digital CNC machine. Consequently, productivity is said to have doubled, waste was reduced, and the workforce gained new skills.
In a statement, Ben Michael, general manager at Foams 4 Sports, said: “Digital transformation is vital for the next stage of our business growth. “We need to look to technology as a solution to our challenges. This is a massive leap forward.”
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