Ripple effect of digitalisation sparked by Made Smarter

Left to right Mark Haworth (MJH Joinery), Paul Bimpson (Reverse Engineering), Andy Walsh (Rustic Tubs), Sarah Woodhams (Made Smarter), Steve Hill (Surefit), Lee Ellis and Mike Cripps (C&E Aluminium Systems).

A ripple effect of digital transformation is sweeping through a rural industrial estate in West Lancashire where five manufacturers are all engaging with Made Smarter to modernise their operations. The Government-funded programme, which helps SMEs adopt technologies and embrace digital leadership skills, has found particular success on the Whitestake Industrial Estate.

It all began with Surefit Fitted Furniture Ltd, a bespoke cabinetmaker, and quickly spread through word of mouth and workshop chats to four other forward-thinking companies — C&E Aluminium Systems, MJH Joinery, Reverse Engineering Northwest Ltd, and Rustic Tubs.

Each business has developed a bespoke digital roadmap, resulting in a collective investment of £181,000 in technology projects, supported by Made Smarter grants, and one future leader enrolled on the Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme. Together, these companies are forecasting growth, creating new jobs, and building a strong local network by actively encouraging other manufacturers on the estate to begin or accelerate their digital journeys.

Sarah Woodhams, Made Smarter North West's technology adoption specialist who has supported all five businesses, described the transformation as both organic and inspiring. She said: “What is happening on this estate is fantastic. Despite being just doors apart, many of the businesses hadn’t interacted before Made Smarter brought them together. From one spark of inspiration, we have seen a ripple effect of innovation and collaboration. The result is the emergence of a rural manufacturing powerhouse. It shows what is possible when SME support is delivered where it is needed most and is peer-led.”

Significant increase in turnover
The story began in 2023 when Surefit Fitted Furniture, a bespoke cabinetmaker engaged with Made Smarter and saw an opportunity to invest in digitalising its operations with a new CNC machine and design software. The result has been a 25% increase in turnover, six hours saved per week in production time, a 15% reduction in waste through nesting software, and improved scheduling and lead times. Surefit is also expecting to create three new jobs over the next two years. Owner Steve Hill said: “Before, everything was manual and very time-consuming as a result — an absolute nightmare. Now, it is like having an extra man and it is producing a better product.”

Pleased with the outcome, Mr Hill started to spread the word of Made Smarter around the industrial estate. He said: “I told the lads at C&E about my experience and interest just grew from there. “Made Smarter gave me the push to modernise. It was a leap of faith, but seeing my neighbours now getting involved has made the journey feel collaborative. We are not just upgrading our businesses, we are creating a community.”

Through Made Smarter, C&E Aluminium Systems, a fabricator of aluminium windows and doors, developed a digital roadmap and invested in a CNC machine. As a result the business, run by Lee Ellis and Mike Cripps (pictured left), has increased productivity by 20%, reduced fabrication time by 10 hours per week, and boosted profits by 25%. Additionally, the project created a new job. Mr Ellis said: “The support helped us realise what a digital transformation journey could look like. It is not just one machine, it is data, connectivity, and continuous improvement.”

Spurred on by the results realised at Surefit and C&E, Reverse Engineering, a precision machining and fabrication specialist, and MJH Joinery were next to engage Made Smarter. Reverse Engineering is now investing in a CNC fibre laser cutting machine to bring sub-contracted processes in-house, a move that will improve efficiency, create a new subsidiary, and add more five jobs.

Succession plans
Owner Paul Bimpson is also preparing for the future, enrolling a team member on to Made Smarter’s LDT programme to support his succession plans. The three-month programme, co-delivered by the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University, focuses on equipping SME manufacturers with the strategies and skills to adopt cutting-edge digital technologies. Mr Bimpson said: “The support from Made Smarter has been instrumental. Enrolling in the LDT programme is helping us build internal champions and long-term strategic capability.”

Meanwhile, MJH Joinery, run by Mark Haworth, is taking a more cautious but still committed approach. He said: “Give me a hammer and chisel and I am happy, but put me in front of a computer and it is a different story. A Made Smarter workshop I attended was enlightening. Having a digital roadmap and someone like Sarah Woodhams to guide me has been vitally important.”

The most recent addition is Rustic Tubs, a unique business crafting handmade wooden hot tubs and plunge pools. Founder Andy Walsh is now exploring 3-D printing to streamline the design of over-engineered pool filters. He said: “Seeing my neighbours thrive gave me the confidence to take the plunge with Made Smarter. There is probably more people around here who could benefit, it is just about spreading the word.”

Made Smarter North West 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.