Family business wins government funding

A FAMILY business specialising in metal 3D printing has become the first in Warrington to win funding from Made Smarter – a government funded and industry backed programme to drive productivity and growth in manufacturing.
Croft Additive Manufacturing is one of 62 North West small and medium enterprises to get support in the programme’s first year.
This support for manufacturing SMEs includes expert impartial advice and one-to-one support, digital roadmapping workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps to transform their business, eight-month leadership and management training programmes and funded three-month student placements.
The businesses are developing projects involving the adoption of a range of industrial digital technologies, including Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), 3D-printing and robotics to solve business challenges across a range of manufacturing functions.
Croft Additive Manufacturing is based on the Taylor Industrial Estate at Risley.
Andy Devaney, director of business innovation at Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “Made Smarter has helped a huge range of manufacturers in their digitisation journey across the North West.
“This year we have seen from businesses from Cheshire and Warrington move towards digital operations in their manufacturing.
“As a result of the support these businesses have embraced new types of technologies and advanced processes.
“We look forward to continue working with the Made Smarter team to help more manufacturers in Cheshire and Warrington.”