Jaltek Systems apprentice. The company was assisted in planning a new factory layout using ‘digital twin’ technology and also accessed a funded internship to get two major production lines up and runningThe
Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick last week celebrated the completion of a major funded programme which has boosted the Midlands economy to the tune of £220 million. Over the last five years, WMG’s Digital Innovation for Manufacturing (DI4M) has helped create 660 jobs and digitalise 370 businesses — supporting hundreds of small and medium-size manufacturers across the region.
A range of new products have made it to market through the programme including a novel electric charging point that attaches to lamp posts, an ultra-high speed 3-D printer, and a wall climbing robot to undertake important maintenance work on tall buildings.
DI4M has been a five-year, £10 million programme supporting SME manufacturers to implement digital innovation. Delivered across the six local enterprise partnership (LEP) areas of Coventry and Warwickshire, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, the Black Country, South East Midlands, Leicester and Leicestershire and Worcestershire, it has been led by the SME Group within WMG. The programme was funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at WMG.
Companies that have benefitted from the scheme include
Jaltek Systems which was assisted in planning a new factory layout using ‘digital twin’ technology and which also accessed a funded internship to get two major production lines up and running.
Gordon Ellis & Co was able to implement sensors and data collection devices around the factory through the scheme to boost productivity and reduce waste. Although this project has finished, WMG’s SME group is continuing to support manufacturing SMEs through the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Made Smarter West Midlands and through new schemes such as its Net Zero Innovation Programme and Business Energy Advice Toolkit which helps businesses reduce energy and costs with low-cost technology solutions.
Dr Mark Swift, director of SME Engagement, said: “The DI4M programme has been an important anchor for Midlands SME businesses through a period of unprecedented challenge and disruption. The programme has been a constant effective enabler for introducing new ideas, new technology to boost productivity as well as acting as a springboard to ‘net zero’ and business energy efficiency. The economic impact speaks for itself – adding £220 million, or £22 for every £1 invested, to our region is something we are all immensely proud of. We now look forward to further successes from a range of new energy efficiency, digital and productivity programmes.”
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