Manufacturers producing branded workwear, uniforms, fashion accessories, solar shading textiles and specialist marine covers are among those embracing automation, digital manufacturing systems and smarter business technologies after grants from Government-backed programmes in the North West, South East and Yorkshire.
They include Invent Interior Solutions, based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, which secured a £20,000 grant towards a £65,000 investment in a digital Jacquard loom. The technology will enable the designer and manufacturer of solar shading textiles to create intricate bespoke designs, accelerate product development and expand its creative capability.
General Manager Joe Roberts said: "The loom transforms what we can create and how we create it. Digital, thread-by-thread control means intricate, bespoke designs and rapid prototyping that were out of reach before. It's a complete step change for our creative capability. Made Smarter's funding and advice made it happen."
Meanwhile JFM Workwear, based in Huyton, Liverpool City Region, invested £22,000 in a bespoke customer portal to digitise and automate the customer journey, supported by an £11,000 Made Smarter grant. The project is forecast to create three new jobs and upskill two existing roles while improving efficiency and enhancing the customer experience.
Director Kevin Maloney said: "The Made Smarter grant enabled us to accelerate the development of our customer portal and bring forward a key part of our digital transformation strategy. By digitising and automating much of the customer journey, we are improving efficiency across the business while providing a better experience for our clients. The support from Made Smarter gave us the confidence to invest in technology that will help us scale, create new employment opportunities, and equip our team with valuable new digital skills."
In Hampshire, Sunstorm Covers invested £25,500 in a Leica RTC360 laser scanner, supported by a £12,500 Made Smarter grant. The technology enables the specialist manufacturer of bespoke boat covers and marine canopies to capture precise digital measurements, reducing site visits, improving manufacturing accuracy and accelerating production.
Managing Director Martin Gray said: "The Leica scanner has transformed the way we work. We can now capture accurate measurements in a fraction of the time, improve precision and reduce the need for repeat site visits. It's helping us deliver a better service for customers while creating the capacity to take on more work and grow the business."
In Surrey, textile designer, manufacturer and retailer Emilia Hunt secured a £1,100 Made Smarter grant towards a £2,250 investment in a new EPOS system to automate routine tasks, improve stock management and create capacity for growth. The technology will streamline stock management, improve sales tracking and customer service, while reducing manual administration and supporting the creation of two new jobs.
Founder Emilia Hunt said: "The new EPOS system will save me a huge amount of time by taking away manual administration and giving me much better control of the business. Instead of spending time on repetitive jobs, I can focus on designing new products, growing sales and taking on new staff."
In West Yorkshire, Involution, a manufacturer of clothing and workwear, invested £20,000 in automated printing and cutting machines, supported by a £10,000 Made Smarter grant. The investment enables the business to bring more manufacturing capability in-house, increase capacity and expand its range of bespoke products and services.
Managing Director Michael Ainsworth said: "The grant made it possible for us to invest in industry-leading printing and cutting equipment and bring more of that capability in-house. It has helped us become more of a one-stop shop for our customers, while increasing our capacity and extending our product range and service offering."
As well as grant funding, Made Smarter offers SME manufacturers a range of support, including digital transformation workshops, impartial technology advice, leadership and skills training, and a digital internship programme.
