Three UK-based Additive Manufacturing companies have secured backing from Made Smarter, a UK government-funded programme promoting digital transformation among SME manufacturers. FDM Digital Solutions in Burnley, Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) in Burscough, and Fusion Implants in Liverpool are using a grant from the programme to invest in new technologies.

Made Smarter’s funding panel, which comprises leading figures from across the worlds of business, government and academia, offers grants of up to £20,000 towards new technology and digital tools.

“The grant funding has enabled purchase of game-changing technology to increase our offering in the world of Additive Manufacturing. This has made us more productive through end-to-end digitalisation of our manufacturing processes,” stated Katie Higham, AMS Chief Operations Officer. “The support we have received from Made Smarter has been crucial to enhance our in-house technological capabilities, while supporting our digital transformation and upskilling our staff.”

Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, added, “These technology projects will have a tremendous impact on individuals, businesses, the sector and society. They will boost efficiency, productivity and growth, creating new jobs and upskilling existing roles, all while shifting the dial on creating a more sustainable approach to manufacturing.”

“I welcome these 23 companies into the Made Smarter family. Alongside the hundreds who have already reaped the rewards of the adoption programme, we have now invested over £25m into the digital transformation of the sector,” Edwards added.

As well as grants, Made Smarter offers SME manufacturers access to funded support including digital transformation workshops to create a digital roadmap, impartial and expert technology advice, and leadership and skills training.