Furniture and joinery manufacturers have helped Made Smarter North West reach a major milestone – funding its 400th technology adoption project.
The milestone was achieved after four more companies secured support to invest in digital tools and systems: Creative Joinery + Design in Brampton, a specialist in bespoke commercial furniture and interior play areas; Parkdale Joinery (trading as English and Wood), based in Preston, a producer of high-end kitchens and architectural joinery; H Miller Bros in Liverpool, a manufacturer of hardwood kitchens; and Doorstore (Wirral) in Birkenhead, a specialist in UPVC, composite and wooden doors.
Over the last seven years, manufacturers have accessed £7.4m in matched funding from the Government-backed, industry-led programme. This has unlocked £26m of investment in technologies ranging from sensors and robotics to 3D printing and artificial intelligence.
These investments are forecast to generate more than 1850 new jobs and upskill 3300 existing roles, while delivering a £276m boost to the regional economy over the next three years.
Commenting on the milestone, Donna Edwards, programme director at Made Smarter, says: “Reaching our 400th funded technology project is a proud milestone for Made Smarter and a powerful demonstration of what manufacturers in the North West can achieve with the right support.
“Over the last seven years, we’ve seen hundreds of SMEs take confident steps towards digitalisation, boosting productivity, creating jobs, and laying the groundwork for long-term growth.
“What excites me most is that this is just the beginning. With every new project, we’re building a stronger, smarter manufacturing base – better equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow and lead the way in innovation, resilience and sustainability.”
Pictured: Hugh and Howard Miller, H Miller Bros
