Made Smarter, the movement accelerating the digital transformation of SME manufacturers in Cumbria, has reached a landmark, funding its 400th technology adoption project.

The milestone was achieved after two more companies in the county secured support to invest in digital tools and systems.

Creative Joinery + Design from Brampton, are specialists in bespoke commercial furniture and interior play areas; and AR Technical Engineering Ltd in Carlisle are industrial pipework and packaged pipe systems specialists.

Over the last seven years, manufacturers in Cumbria have accessed £1 million in matched funding from the government-backed, industry-led programme.

Commenting on the milestone, Donna Edwards, Programme Director of Made Smarter, said: “Reaching our 400th funded technology project is a proud milestone for Made Smarter and a powerful demonstration of what manufacturers in the North West can achieve with the right support.

“Over the last seven years, we’ve seen hundreds of SMEs take confident steps towards digitalisation, boosting productivity, creating jobs, and laying the groundwork for long-term growth.

“What excites me most is that this is just the beginning. With every new project, we’re building a stronger, smarter manufacturing base, better equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow and lead the way in innovation, resilience, and sustainability.”

This has unlocked £2.8 million of investment in 52 technology projects, ranging from sensors and robotics to 3D printing and artificial intelligence.

These investments are forecast to generate almost 140 new jobs and upskill almost 250 existing roles, while delivering a £26 million boost to the regional economy over the next three years.

Creative Joinery + Design is using a £16,000 grant to invest £32,000 in a large-format 3D printer, a move that marks the next step in the company’s digital transformation journey.

Peter and Christopher Johnson, Co-owners of Creative Joinery, said: “Made Smarter’s guidance was instrumental in helping us identify the right technology to invest in. We’ve always prided ourselves on innovation and creativity, but introducing large-format 3D printing has taken that to a new level.

“This technology unlocks new design possibilities, halves the time it takes to produce certain components, and reduces the labour required by up to 75 percent.

“We can now offer more complex, custom solutions at a lower cost, with less waste, and in a way that supports our ambition to reach net zero by 2035.

“The impact on our business is huge. It increases our production capacity, gives us the confidence to explore new markets and offer rapid prototyping services, and will support the creation of new jobs while upskilling our existing team.

“It’s a transformational step — one that puts us at the forefront of our industry and strengthens our reputation as forward-thinking manufacturers.”

AR Technical Engineering Ltd secured a grant towards an orbital robotic welder to help expand its service offering and unlock new opportunities in the food and beverage sector.

Mark Robertson, Managing Director, said: “We anticipate that this investment in automation will create one additional job and has already enabled us to upskill three welders.

“The new equipment has been deployed on recent projects, and its quality and repeatability have been very well received by our existing clients, clearly making a positive impact on our business.”

Over the last seven years, manufacturers across the North West have accessed £7.4 million in matched funding.

This has unlocked £26 million of investment in technologies which are forecast to generate more than 1,850 new jobs and upskill 3,300 existing roles, while delivering a £276 million boost to the regional economy over the next three years.

As well as grant funding, Made Smarter offers SME manufacturers a range of support, including digital transformation workshops, impartial technology advice, leadership and skills training, and a digital internship programme.

To learn more about how Made Smarter can help your business to innovate and grow, visit their website here.