Why North East manufacturers should consider the Made Smarter programme

AWARDED EXTRA funding in last year’s Autumn Budget, Made Smarter supports manufacturing SMEs in the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas to invest in new digital technology and processes to grow their businesses.

More than 150 North East manufacturers have already taken part in the programme, including specialist battery manufacturers, Alexander Battery Technologies; expanded metal mesh manufacturer, The Expanded Metal Company; and growing thermoformed plastic packaging manufacturer, iPac Packaging Innovations.

Helping Businesses Create Digital Roadmaps

"Technology moves fast, which is why it’s so important for manufacturing businesses to develop digital roadmaps and invest in the talent, skills and equipment they need to remain competitive," said Julia Austin, programme manager for Made Smarter in the North East.

"Through the Made Smarter programme, we’re able to educate manufacturers about the technology available to them, and support them to purchase new equipment or software that can make them more productive and more profitable."

New Technologies Drive Growth

Fast-growing North East business, Alexander Battery Technologies, worked with MadeSmarter in 2024 to introduce the world’s first EV Flex advanced laser welder, a digital security system, and an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

"Made Smarter provided us with good, reliable advice and helped source funding, which in-turn helped us address some of our biggest challenges. Engaging with the programme helped open our eyes to the benefits of digital technology in the organisation," stated Brett Ramshaw, production manager at Alexander Battery Technologies. 

Expanded Metal Company Enhances Efficiency

The Expanded Metal Company, an award-winning manufacturer of expanded metal mesh products based in Stockton, used the Made Smarter programme to develop a bespoke digital roadmap for the business. With grant funding from Made Smarter, The Expanded Metal Company was able to part-fund the purchase of a cobot welding machine; helping to increase efficiency, reduce down time, and improve quality across the business.

"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 doing more bespoke jobs, which helps with retention,” noted Ryan Pinder, Exmesh operations manager and head of continuous improvement at The Expanded Metal Company. "It also means we can expand the business to take on more of those jobs too."

Manufacturing businesses that sign up to take part in Made Smarter benefit from training to understand what technology is available, and how and where it can be implemented; workshops and networking opportunities with other North East manufactures; and grants of up to £23.5k to access expert technical advice and support the purchase of new machinery and technology.

Made Smarter is open to manufacturing SMEs (under 250 employees) working in the manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors in the North East (North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas). 

For more information: 

madesmarter.uk

growthhub.northeast-ca.gov.uk