A programme helping manufacturers boost productivity and growth using digital tools has reached a major milestone, having now backed its 200th technology project.

Launched in 2019, the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West has now supported 161 businesses with £3.9M matched funding for 201 projects, leveraging £10.5M of private sector investment.

This includes 20 businesses in Cumbria who have secured grants worth £475,000 for 24 technology projects, valued at almost £1.7m after private investment.

Fuel Exhausts, a manufacturer of motorcycle exhausts, based in Kendal, is adopting additive manufacturing technology to speed up the design and prototyping of new bike parts for its customers and new markets.

Damian and Louise Turner, Owners, said: "Over the last 20 years we have earned our position as a trusted exhaust brand. After operating in a traditional way, making everything from scratch and using very manual processes, we can see the opportunities new technology can create.”

Shane Taylor Welding, a fabrication and mechanical engineering business in Maryport, is adopting robotics and process control automation technology with the support of Made Smarter.

Jack Gartland, Finance and Quality Manager, said: "The impact of covid-19 on the business has inspired us to look at ways of innovating to improve our manufacturing processes to be more efficient and cut costs.

"Made Smarter has supported our adoption of a CNC plasma cutting machine which will enable us to bring in-house previous outsourced work."

Donna Edwards, Programme Director for the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West, said: “Surpassing the milestone of 200 funded technology projects is a significant achievement for the Made Smarter adoption programme in the North West - and there is much more to come.

“I am delighted that so many manufacturing and engineering businesses of all sizes, from across all sectors, have realised the benefits of digital technology and would encourage other SMEs in the region to start their own conversation with us.”

Since 2019 Made Smarter has engaged with 1,266 businesses in the region to help them introduce digital tools and technologies to help boost productivity and growth and navigate the impact of Covid-19.

618 manufacturers have received intensive support including expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps to transform their business, a leadership programme, and funded digital technology internships.