CUMBRIAN manufacturers have helped Made Smarter’s 'trailblazing' technology adoption programme in the North West mark its third anniversary by reaching a major milestone.

The programme has now matched-funded 200 businesses, supporting them to drive growth and decarbonise through digitalisation.

This includes 25 SME manufacturers in Cumbria, who have secured £560k matched funding for 30 projects, worth £1.9M after private sector investment.

These investments are forecasting the creation of 79 new jobs and 166 upskilled roles, and are forecast to deliver an additional £19.75M in gross value added (GVA) for the Cumbrian regional economy over the next three years.

Among the latest wave of manufacturers starting their journey to use technology to benefit their business, their bottom line and the environment are Ennerdale Brewery, a craft beer maker in Rowrah; Stramongate Press in Kendal; David Holliday Kitchens, a furniture maker in Carlisle; and English Lakes Ice Cream in Kendal.

Meanwhile, Hudson Swan, an engineering and fabrication business in Workington, who have already experienced the benefits of Made Smarter support, are taking the next step in their digitalisation journey.

Aneta Gibka, director, saw the benefits of Made Smarter at the start of the programme before securing support for a second technology project.

She said: “Working with Made Smarter in 2019 we experienced the benefits of an integrated computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system, and took a major first step towards our ambition to fully digitalise our factory floor and office.”

Donna Edwards, director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said: “Over the last three years we have worked extremely hard to drive digital technology usage among makers across the North West.

"We have engaged with 1,381 SMEs in the region to help them 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.”