Grow your North East manufacturing with digital technology

Made Smarter Adoption North East helps manufacturers in the region increase profits, improve efficiency and grow by investing in digital technology, people and processes.

More than 150 North East manufacturers have already taken part in the programme, including specialist battery manufacturer, Alexander Battery Technologies; expanded metal mesh manufacturer, The Expanded Metal Company; and growing thermoformed plastic packaging manufacturer, iPac Packaging Innovations.

Made Smarter Adoption North East aims to drive growth amongst the region’s manufacturing businesses and advance the UK economy by improving the development and adoption of emerging technologies.

Made Smarter adoption in the North East

Who can take part in Made Smarter Adoption North East?

SMEs (under 250 employees) working in the manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors in the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas.
Localised advice and support
Businesses taking part in the programme benefit from:

Grants of up to £20k to support the journey to become a smart factory (up to 50% of the overall cost).

Grants of up to £3.5k to access expert technical advice to support digital roadmap development.

Training to understand what technology is available, and how and where it can be implemented.

Support to develop a bespoke digital roadmap.

Workshops and networking opportunities with other manufacturers.
Our three-stage process
Our three-stage process includes:

An initial one-to-one digital health check, helping you identify where improvements can be made in your business using digital technology.

Intensive workshops looking at the solutions available, how the technology works in practice and how to successfully implement these changes within your business

One-to-one support from an industrial digital technologies (IDT) specialist to move towards the implementation phase.
Further support

Digital Interns – Specialist support for your digital transformation

Unlock expert support on your digital journey with a fully funded digital internship from Made Smarter. Access up to 12 weeks of support from a student or recent graduate to help shape your digital strategy and integrate new technologies into your operations.

Tap into the fresh ideas and emerging digital skills - from robotics and logistics software to data analysis and AI. Your business will employ the intern for the duration of the internship, and payment of the funding is made in arrears after each payroll period.

Find out more here.

Testimonials

“Engaging with Made Smarter helped open our eyes to the benefits of digital technology in the organisation.”

Alexander Battery Technologies

“As a result of working with Made Smarter we’ve been able create processes and systems that are scalable.”

iPac Packaging Innovations

“Everyone in the business is fully on board with our future plans because they can see the positive impact. The Made Smarter programme has really benefitted the business.”

The Expanded Metal Company

“The pressure’s on in the world, and businesses need to adapt – they have to develop. The Made Smarter programme helps businesses take on those challenges.”

Three Brothers Brewing Company

Case Studies - Our impact as told by our clients

Platinum Electrical Engineering and Northumbria University

An engineering firm and university has pioneered the UK's first structural concrete 3D printer, unlocking the potential for a system capable of building homes significantly quicker, cheaper, and more sustainably.

Case Study - Platinum Electrical Engineering