Made Smarter powers Oldham manufacturer to invest in technology

An Oldham business is accelerating its digital transformation after securing backing from Made Smarter, the movement helping SME manufacturers adopt technology for growth.

S K Electronics, an electronics manufacturer, will use a grant from the North West adoption programme to invest in new digital tools.

The company is one of a group of 23 manufacturers to have recently received funding from the government-funded, industry-backed initiative.

It now means Made Smarter has reached a major milestone - backing North West companies to invest £25m in new technologies.

Across the region 330 businesses have now secured £7.1m over the last six years, adopting technologies as diverse as sensors, robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI).

These companies have put £18m of private sector investment towards 379 technology projects which are forecast to create over 1,700 new jobs - an average of five each, and upskill 3,200 existing roles - almost 10 per business.

What is more, the investments in technology and people are set to add £267m to the economy over the next three years.

Across Greater Manchester, these include 96 companies who have invested almost £7.1m into 107 projects, creating 492 new jobs and upskilling 1,032 roles, while boosting the county’s economy by £78m.

Commenting on the latest milestone and grant awards, Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said: “These technology projects will have a tremendous impact on individuals, businesses, the sector and society.

"They will boost efficiency, productivity and growth, creating new jobs and upskilling existing roles, all while shifting the dial on creating a more sustainable approach to manufacturing. 

“I welcome these companies into the Made Smarter family.

"Alongside the hundreds who have already reaped the rewards of the adoption programme, we have now invested over £25m into the digital transformation of the sector.

“Celebrating milestones is important.

"It permits my fantastic team to take stock of the achievement and then commit to improving the services we offer to continue the Made Smarter mission.”

As well as grants, Made Smarter offers SME manufacturers access to funded support including digital transformation workshops to create a digital roadmap, impartial and expert technology advice, and leadership and skills training.

For more information, visit: www.madesmarter.uk

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