Manufacturers across Tees Valley are being encouraged to take advantage of expanded funding and support through the Made Smarter programme, which aims to drive digital adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The initiative provides grant funding and free expert advice to help manufacturers integrate digital technology into their operations.
More than 150 manufacturers in the North East have already participated in the scheme, which offers training, workshops and networking opportunities, as well as grants of up to £23,500 to support the purchase of new machinery and technology.
One business that has benefitted from the programme is The Expanded Metal Company, a Stockton-based manufacturer of expanded metal mesh products.
The company has used Made Smarter support to develop a digital roadmap and part-fund the purchase of a collaborative welding robot (cobot), improving efficiency and product quality.
Ryan Pinder, Exmesh operations manager and head of continuous improvement at The Expanded Metal Company, said: “Everyone in the business is fully on board with our future plans because they can see the positive impact.
“One of the great things about the cobot is that it’s able to do the things people didn’t enjoy doing, meaning we can move staff onto more bespoke jobs, which helps with retention.
“It also means we can expand the business to take on more of those jobs too.”
The programme is open to SMEs in the manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors across Tees Valley.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “Our small and medium manufacturing businesses are the bedrock of our local economy, and it’s essential they get the right support to grow, invest, and create jobs.
“Made Smarter provides vital, targeted funding and advice by focusing on digital technology and the huge benefits it can bring to our local companies – I would strongly encourage any interested firms to get more information and apply.”
In related news, Will Kinghorn, technology adoption specialist for robotics and automation at Made Smarter, will deliver a session titled ‘Sustainable manufacturing starts here: building a business case for automation and decarbonisation’ at Robotics and Automation 2025.
The event takes place on 25-26 March at the NEC Birmingham and will be co-located with the 10th annual IntraLogisteX and the second-ever Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition.
In total, more than 11,000 attendees are expected to attend this year’s three co-located exhibitions, representing a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, retail, e-commerce, automotive, aerospace, and technology, as well as key decision-makers from across supply chain, operations, and engineering sectors.
Join more than 11,000 industry leaders at Robotics and Automation Exhibition on 25-26 March 2025, at the NEC Birmingham to explore cutting-edge technologies, connect with peers and discover the latest innovations shaping the future of manufacturing, engineering and logistics. Register for free now to secure your place at this premier event!
