Warrington firms boost productivity using digital tools

TWO Warrington manufacturers are the latest to secure support from a programme helping manufacturers boost productivity and growth using digital tools.

A2O Innovation Solutions, a manufacturer of advanced composite technology solutions based at Sci-Tech Daresbury, and Tempa Pano UK, which makes enclosures and cabinets for low voltage applications, based at Woolston, are working with the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West.

It means that the government-funded and industry-led programme has reached a major milestone, having now backed its 200th technology project.
A2O Innovation Solutions will implement Augmented Reality (AR) and scanning technology to capture the customer’s environment and recreate it virtually, enabling engineers to test products and solutions before full installation.
Chris Berg, founding director, said: “This new technology will significantly accelerate the process from initial discussion with our customers, design, manufacture and installation.”
Launched in 2019, the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West has now supported 161 businesses with £3.9M matched funding for 201 projects, leveraging £10.5M of private sector investment.
This includes 17 businesses in Cheshire and Warrington which have secured grants worth £378,000 for 20 technology projects, worth £886,000 after private investment.
Some manufacturers are developing projects using emerging technologies that enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes. Others are using 3D-printing, automation, and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.
Across the North West, this transformative technology adoption is forecast to create 990 new jobs, upskill 1,845 existing roles, and deliver an additional £162.4M in gross value added (GVA) for the North West economy.
In Cheshire and Warrington 65 new jobs will be created, 143 existing roles will be upskilled, and an additional £11.5M in gross value added (GVA) for the region’s economy.
Donna Edwards, programme director for the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West, said: “Surpassing the milestone of 200 funded technology projects is a significant achievement for the Made Smarter adoption programme in the North West – and there is much more to come.
“Industry 4.0 is the future of manufacturing. Through it, the entire sector can reap endless rewards that will ultimately lead to considerable – and sustainable – growth. But upgrading to new technologies can seem like a complex and daunting task, and SMEs can miss out on significant improvements to their operations.
“Over the last two and half years we have developed a programme of wide-ranging support which cuts through the jargon to provide honest, impartial advice to help businesses identify the most effective digital tools, innovation and skills needed to make an everyday difference to their operations.
“I am delighted that so many manufacturing and engineering businesses of all sizes, from across all sectors, have realised the benefits of digital technology and would encourage other SMEs in the region to start their own conversation with us.”
Since 2019 Made Smarter has engaged with 1,266 businesses in the region to help them introduce digital tools and technologies to help boost productivity and growth and navigate the impact of Covid-19.

Donna Edwards