Wood manufacturers adopt new digital technologies as part of the Made Smarter initiative

James Tanner Joinery, based in Kendal, Basically Trade in Burnley, S.W. Watson & Son in Preston, and W Howard Group, based in Astley, are the latest small and medium sized manufacturers who have secured funding through the Made Smarter programme.

Many businesses are now investing in a range of industrial digital technologies including Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), 3D-printing and robotics delivering an additional £52m in gross value added (GVA) for the North West economy over the next three years.

By adopting these cutting-edge technologies businesses can benefit from improved productivity and revenue, increased exports and job creation, provide new skills to workforces, enhanced integration with supply chains and reduced environmental impact.

Andrea Thompson, chair of the Made Smarter Commission’s North West Pilot and BAE’s managing director for Europe & International Programmes, said: “We recognise that the move towards advanced technologies can be intimidating, which is why Made Smarter offers a raft of additional support to help manufacturers take that first step.