Local manufacturer at the forefront of digital revolution
A ROCHDALE manufacturer has secured support from Made Smarter, the movement helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEe) become more efficient through using digital technology.
Crystal Doors, based at Trans Pennine Trading Estate, a manufacturer of bespoke vinyl wrapped furniture components, is taking its first steps with the technology adoption pilot aimed at introducing digital tools and technologies to boost productivity and growth, and navigate the impact of Covid-19.
Made Smarter is the UK national industrial digitalisation movement to drive productivity and growth of manufacturing industries and put the UK at the forefront of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Ben Horn, digital transformation programme manager at Crystal Doors, said: “Made Smarter has been supporting us in launching our Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Platform project.
“From the first meeting, their insight and advice have been invaluable in refining the project to become as focused and impactful as it is today.
“Very soon, we will be taking the project live, transforming our customer experience and taking our manufacturing data management to the next level. The insights on our operations which we expect to get as a result of the project will allow us to make huge strides in efficiency and in improving the quality of our service.”
Since it was launched two years ago, the Made Smarter North West technology adoption pilot has engaged with 350 businesses in the Greater Manchester region to help them.
Over 80% of SMEs working with Made Smarter to adopt cuttingedge technologies have seen a boost in productivity, and more than 25% reduced their carbon emissions. Businesses will also benefit from increased revenue, profits and exports, and lower energy bills.
Donna Edwards, North West Pilot Programme Director at Made Smarter, said: “Over the last two years the pilot has proven the value technology can bring to the manufacturing sector.
“We have helped hundreds of North West makers start their digital journey by providing them with specialist advice to help them select the right approach, level of investment and tools for their business.
“We have seen huge success with Made Smarter-supported businesses reporting growth, productivity and efficiency gains, job creation and high-value jobs. We’re also playing a crucial role in helping the UK reach its ambitious aim of net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050.
“Reaching 155 funded projects which will support 126 businesses to create over 750 new jobs and upskill almost 1,600 existing roles is a tremendous achievement.
“We are determined to continue reaching out to the region’s SME manufacturers to connect them to the tools that will make an everyday difference to their businesses. I would encourage manufacturers to contact Made Smarter to ensure they don’t miss out.”