Assisted by Made Smarter funding, a Manchester-based aerospace manufacturer has invested in Siemens Digital Twin software to redesign its new factory and ‘unlock’ production and capacity planning in the future.

Designing, developing and delivering parts for Airbus and Boeing, MSM Aerospace Fabricators has outgrown its current premises and is planning a new ‘state of the art’ factory.

Digital Twin technology will enable the business to optimise the design and layout of the factory floor by generating a digital replica of the plant.

Made Smarter support has enabled MSM to broaden the scope of the project and simulate individual production processes to identify, streamline and maximise operational efficiencies.

This pairing of the virtual and physical worlds will give the company exceptional analysis of data and monitoring of systems to manage problems before they even occur, prevent down-time, and even plan for the future by using simulations.

Managing director Michael Pedley (www.msm-aero.com) said: “The technology will accelerate the growth of the business.

The honest truth is that without Made Smarter funding, we wouldn’t have committed to such an advanced level of simulation.

"Our plan was always focused on design as a discrete project. This extra investment means that we get maximum value from the technology in the future.

"It also means that we could do it immediately rather than delaying — propelling us forward by years.”

During its 80-year history, MSM’s growth has meant expanding its footprint at its Spring Vale Works in Middleton.

The proposed 35,000ft² factory on adjacent land offers a golden opportunity to rethink its manufacturing processes.