Industrial robotics specialist CNC Robotics among the latest cohort of Liverpool city region firms to seek support from the multi-million pound Made Smarter programme. Tony McDonough reports

A further eight Liverpool city region firms have secured support from the multi-million pound Made Smarter digital programme.

Made Smarter was launched in 2019 as a three-year project. During that time it has helped companies create around 1,250 jobs and grow GVA by an estimated £176m. In September LBN reported it had secured a further £6.1m in funding.

So far 47 Liverpool city region-based businesses have benefited from the programme. They have secured a combined £1.1m towards 55 technology projects, worth £4m after £2.9m in private sector investment.

Made Smarter has now passed the 250 mark for the number of businesses it has helped and a further eight Merseyside firms are among the latest cohort. They are:

• CNC Robotics, based in Bootle, a robotics integrator.
• TPFay (Kirkby), based in Kirkby, a manufacturer of bespoke heating elements.
• Edwards & Hampson, based in Bootle, manufacturers of unique and bespoke staircases
• Northwest Fencing, based in Kirkby, manufacturers of fencing products.
• Microspec, based in Bromborough, manufacturers of microbiological consumables.
• Door And Window Systems (DAWS), based in Knowsley, a manufacturer of aluminium windows and doors.
• Evolution Dental Studio, based in Runcorn, a dental laboratory.
• Product Release Europe, based in Knowsley, manufacturers of industrial bakeware and recoating specialists.

With support from Made Smarter, CNC Robotics has invested in wire laser metal 3D printing technology.

Owner and founder Jason Barker said: “With the support of Made Smarter, CNC will be able to demonstrate that adoption of new technologies for advanced manufacturing will de-risk UK manufacturing while maintaining an international competitive edge.

“Growth in new tech capabilities for CNC Robotics will ultimately lead to job opportunities, training and sustainability while supporting additional system sales and revenue in this increasingly growing market.”

Microspec has invested in a fully automated production cell and an all electric moulding machine. This has increased production capacity, enabled the company to remain competitive and reduced energy consumption and costs.

Director Alan Christie said: “During and post pandemic we have experienced a huge upturn in the business and we have struggled to keep up with demand. And the current energy crisis has meant we urgently need to look at more energy efficient machines.

“The support from Made Smarter has allowed us to achieve this and has also substantially increased our production capacity.

“This ensures that in the event of future pandemics Microspec will be able to provide more of the required laboratory supplies  and as a country we will be slightly less dependent on supplies from overseas.”

Some Merseyside manufacturers who have already experienced the benefits of Made Smarter support and are taking the next step in their digitalisation journey. 

They include SFL Mobile Radio, based in Bromborough,a communication specialist, and Pearsons Glass, a glassmaker in Liverpool.

Donna Edwards, director of the North West adoption programme, said: “When we launched the Made Smarter adoption programme four years ago our ambition was to boost growth, productivity, efficiency and create high value, well paid jobs of the future.

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“We also wanted to play a vital role to help accomplish the UK’s aim of reaching net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050.

“Digital adoption is still rife and robust in the SME sector. It’s been great to see that so many firms have tapped into our expertise to help them select the right approach for their business.”