Yorkshire manufacturers are investing almost £900,000 in digital technologies to improve efficiency, create jobs and support future growth, with support from Made Smarter Yorkshire.
Nineteen manufacturers have secured £267,000 in grant funding through the Government-backed programme, which helps small and medium-sized businesses adopt digital tools and technologies.
The funding has enabled a combined £894,000 investment in advanced machinery, software and production systems.
The latest projects build on Made Smarter Yorkshire’s wider impact since launching in 2021. During that time, the programme has supported more than 1,250 manufacturers, awarded 112 technology grants worth £1.6 million and helped generate almost £5 million of investment, strengthening productivity, competitiveness and long-term resilience across the region.
Recent grant-funded projects include York-based pizza dough maker Great Balls of Flour, which has introduced end-to-end automation to support plans to double turnover and expand its workforce; Halifax-based Abacus Fabrications, which has reduced lead times, won new business and secured the largest order in its history following investment in laser profiling technology; and Sheffield metal product manufacturer EE Ingleton Engineering, which has modernised its heat-treatment operations to significantly improve energy efficiency while increasing production capacity.
Meanwhile, Hull-based Helix Precision Machining has invested in digital design and machining tools to improve productivity, consistency and traceability, while Leeds bakery Get Baked has increased packaging efficiency and production capacity through automation.
Other businesses supported through the latest round of funding are manufacturing everything from workwear, furniture, garden buildings and signage to electric motors, stainless steel products, excavator attachments and textiles, highlighting the diversity of Yorkshire’s manufacturing sector. Their projects include investments in automation and robotics, digital production systems, advanced manufacturing equipment and data integration platforms.
The investments demonstrate confidence at a time when manufacturers continue to face economic uncertainty, rising operating costs and ongoing pressure to improve efficiency. Rather than standing still, these businesses are embracing digital technologies to increase productivity, unlock capacity and strengthen their competitiveness.
Great Balls of Flour secured £20,000 towards a £100,000 automation programme, including an automatic vacuum filling machine, automatic capping machine and automatic labelling machine.
James Talbot, Director, said: “I’m really proud of the journey we’ve been on with Made Smarter. The transition to automation is a significant milestone for us, not just for the productivity gains, but for how it supports our team’s growth.”
EE Ingleton Engineering secured a £20,000 grant towards a £43,000 project to modernise and digitalise its heat-treatment furnace, creating an additional eight production hours per week and reducing gas consumption by up to 50 per cent.
Terry Lee, Director, said: “We’re a traditional manufacturing business, but our Made Smarter experience has shown that digital technology and decarbonisation can work hand in hand. It’s not just about reducing energy costs, it’s about becoming more competitive, more resilient and making sure the business is in a strong position for the next 50 years.”
Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire, said: “It’s fantastic to see manufacturers across Yorkshire continuing to invest and grow despite the challenges facing the sector. These latest projects demonstrate the importance of adopting digital technologies to improve productivity, increase capacity, strengthen competitiveness and future-proof manufacturing operations across the region.
“Many of our manufacturers begin their journey by engaging with the programme to better understand how and where technology could be adopted to have the greatest impact. Through specialist advice, expert-led digital training, grant support and access to digital interns, manufacturers have been able to develop the confidence to take the next step and invest in their business and staff to future-proof operations.
“Whether it’s automation, advanced manufacturing equipment, digital systems or better use of data, these digital projects are helping manufacturers work smarter and build stronger, more resilient businesses.
“Since 2021, we have supported hundreds of manufacturers across Yorkshire to explore, adopt and scale digital technologies. Grant funding is still available, and I would encourage more manufacturers to register with Made Smarter and discover how digital technologies could deliver meaningful improvements to their business.”
To access Made Smarter support, manufacturers begin by speaking with a specialist adviser about their business and growth ambitions. A digital expert then works with the company to develop a tailored roadmap, identifying where technology and skills can deliver the greatest impact. Businesses can then access a range of support, including specialist advice, leadership and skills programmes, digital internships, and matched funding of up to £20,000 through a digital technology grant.
To learn more about how Made Smarter can help your business innovate and grow, visit www.madesmarter.uk/yorkshire.