SME manufacturers from across the North West came together to see how 3D printing is accelerating a new wave of innovation across UK industry.
The event, delivered by robotics integration specialist CNC Robotics in partnership with Made Smarter North West, gave businesses a hands-on look at how additive manufacturing can transform production processes and open up new opportunities.
Businesses attending the showcase in in Bootle included Darwen Terracotta of Blackburn, the UK’s largest producer of architectural terracotta for restoration and new construction; CDB Hub UK, a Liverpool-based manufacturer of vitamins and supplements in the early stages of its digital transformation; Hyde Aero Products of Dukinfield, specialists in aerospace components; Magnum Motorsport Composites of St Helens, producers of lightweight, high-performance solutions for the motorsport sector; and NSG Group, an Ormskirk-based glass manufacturer exploring digital technologies to enhance traditional production processes.
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is transforming the way manufacturers are designing and producing products.. The technology enables rapid prototyping and customisation, by building complex parts layer by layer, accelerates production and reduces waste.
Visitors heard from Max Barnett, Sales and Marketing Engineer at CNC Robotics, who outlined the company’s 15-year journey from pioneering robotic automation to becoming a key delivery partner helping UK manufacturers adopt new technologies, as well as its dual role as both a beneficiary of the Made Smarter programme and an advocate for it.
Visitors toured the state-of-the-art facility, where live demonstrations showcased three robotic additive manufacturing systems using metal, thermoplastic polymer and PU tooling paste. Delegates had the chance to see the technology in action and discuss how it could be applied within their own operations.
The showcase is part of Made Smarter’s mission to help North West manufacturers adopt digital and emerging technologies to drive productivity, growth and innovation. The programme offers fully funded support through transformation workshops, leadership and skills training, and grant funding to accelerate technology adoption.
Commenting on the success of the event, Claire Scott, Technology Adoption Specialist for Made Smarter, said: “Additive manufacturing is no longer an emerging concept. It is a proven, powerful tool that can help manufacturers of all sizes work smarter, faster and more sustainably. Events like this give businesses the confidence to explore what is possible and connect with others on similar journeys. It is fantastic to see so many SMEs coming together to share ideas and see the real-world potential of these technologies.”
“Collaborative events like this are about showing small businesses the art of the possible, that we can build resilience in the UK supply chain and do it ourselves. Technologies like additive manufacturing can help manufacturers become more efficient, save time and reduce waste.
“At CNC Robotics, we have been on that journey ourselves. Through Made Smarter, we have had direct support, including funding and internships, and we have seen first-hand the difference it makes. That is why we are such advocates for the programme, it is genuinely transformational for small businesses.”
Madina Barker, Co-Owner and Director, CNC Robotics,
Across the board, manufacturers hailed the workshop as fueling their understanding of how 3D printing could streamline processes, reduce waste and unlock new design possibilities.
Siddique Rasul, Digital Project Manager, Darwen Terracotta, based in Blackburn, said: “The event was incredibly valuable. We are constantly looking at how digital technology can enhance craftsmanship, and this experience gave me a clearer view of how additive manufacturing could complement our traditional methods and open up new possibilities for architectural and exterior products in the UK and overseas. As the UK’s largest manufacturer of architectural terracotta, we are keen to be among the first in our sector to embrace these kinds of digital advancements.”
Chris Wiles, Business Development Manager, Hyde Aero Products, based in Dukinfield, said: “As specialists in the design and manufacture of detailed aerospace parts and integrated structural components, we are always looking for new technologies that could move into the defence sector, and it is important to stay aware of what is coming next. What really struck me today was the speed of the process and how little material is wasted. It is definitely the future for metal manufacturing.”
Andy Knowles, Director, Magnum Motorsport Composites, based in St Helens, said: “In motorsport, everything is about speed, not just the cars, but how fast we can get from a drawing to a finished part. As specialist manufacturers of lightweight, high-performance solutions, we are looking at ways to cut out steps in the process, go straight from digital design to 3D-printed moulds, and make better use of materials along the way. CNC Robotics and Made Smarter really opened my eyes to how additive manufacturing could help us turn projects around quicker, reduce waste and keep up with the pace this industry demands.”
John Lee, Lead Technologist, NSG Group, based in Ormskirk, said: “We are in a transition phase at the moment, taking our traditional glass manufacturing processes and exploring how new technologies can work for us. Seeing the systems at CNC Robotics in action really opened my eyes to the possibilities. Now that I have seen what is achievable, I can already think of a number of ways we could apply this technology within our own operations.”
Earlier this year, the Government praised Made Smarter for its role in driving 3D printing adoption across the North West.
Building on that momentum, the programme is making additive manufacturing the focus of its next Digital Champions Network event on Wednesday 28 January 2026 at the Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC), University of Lancashire, Preston.
Open to all SME manufacturers in the North West, the event offers a valuable opportunity to network, collaborate and share experiences with peers, industry experts and Made Smarter advisors. Visitors will gain practical insights into emerging tools such as the Additive Companion, hear real-world adoption stories from those already embracing the technology and tour the EIC’s state-of-the-art engineering facilities.
To register your place, visitwww.madesmarter.uk/events/north-west-digital-champions-network.