First wave of South East manufacturers geared for growth

The shopfloor at Solstrand

Sixteen pioneering manufacturers are the first in the South East to start transforming their businesses with Made Smarter, just months after the launch of the £1.55 million Government-backed adoption programme. The companies, which span sectors from aerospace and plastics to food and beverage, electronics, printing and furniture, have completed a Made Smarter Digital Transformation Workshop to identify opportunities for technology adoption and create a bespoke roadmap for change.

Launched in April, the programme has already registered more than 300 businesses that have signed up for expert advice, leadership and skills training, student placements, and match-funded technology grants of up to £20,000 to help SMEs improve productivity, competitiveness and sustainability. Of these, 75 manufacturers have either completed or scheduled a Digital Transformation Workshop, highlighting the strong pipeline of activity and the appetite among firms in the South East to embrace digital adoption.

With Made Smarter’s support, this first wave of manufacturers are now pursuing a wide range of digital projects, from robotics, automation and AI to upgraded ERP systems and smarter stock management. Many are also investing in simulation tools, digital twins and online integration to improve efficiency and scale operations. Crucially, businesses are pairing technology with leadership training and workforce upskilling to build long-term resilience and sustainable growth.

James Valentine, director at Solstrand, a sub-contract precision engineering company specialising in the production of components and assemblies for the aerospace and defence sectors, said: “As a heritage business with strong roots and skilled people, we have recognised the need to update how we work. Made Smarter helped us identify where digital tools can have the biggest impact. We are now looking at collaborative robotics for repetitive machining tasks, video-based training to capture key processes, and smarter inventory management to reduce waste and improve traceability. With Made Smarter’s support, we are shaping a more connected and efficient operation while laying the groundwork for future sustainability.”

Smarter factory
Vasco Miguel, managing director of Littlehampton-based SI Protech (UK) Ltd, said: “We have always been strong on product development and sustainability, but now we are focused on bringing that same level of innovation into how we operate. We want to build a smarter factory that uses digital tools to reduce waste, optimise production, and empower our people. The Digital Transformation Workshop helped us break that ambition into clear, achievable steps.

“We are now exploring options to upgrade our ERP system, implement digital twins, and introduce AI modules into new machinery for predictive maintenance and real-time optimisation. We are also looking to make the most of Made Smarter by upskilling our team, bringing in internships and using grant funding. The workshop was a vital moment of alignment, helping us focus our efforts and move forward with confidence.”

Reece Garrod (pictured left), CEO of Stoke Mandeville-based Gibbs Gears, a family-owned precision engineering group supplying gears and complex gearing systems to sectors including aerospace, electric vehicles, space and robotics, said: “We have built a strong reputation for quality and technical expertise, but we recognise the need to evolve our systems and skills to match the complexity and speed of the industries we serve. We are focused on integrating our systems, improving tooling efficiency, and developing our team to lead the next phase of growth. The Digital Transformation Workshop helped us sharpen that focus.

“We are now exploring how to connect our ERP, QA and machine monitoring platforms, improve tooling management, and introduce AI for smarter scheduling and decision-making. We also see huge value in creating digital training resources and expanding our apprenticeship and leadership programmes. The workshop reinforced the importance of aligning our digital investments with long-term workforce planning, and gave us a clear path forward with the right support from Made Smarter.”

Made Smarter South East is delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with 11 local authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships. Bryan Vint, programme manager for Made Smarter South East, said: “It is hugely encouraging to see so many beginning their transformation so soon after launch. It shows the real appetite among South East manufacturers to embrace digital technology and highlights the immediate impact Made Smarter is having.

“Every company is on its own journey, starting from a different point and with different ambitions, but each has found a clear path forward through the programme. Together, these firms are already showing how digital tools can reshape manufacturing, from optimising production and improving traceability to reducing waste and upskilling people, with benefits that range from higher productivity and revenues to new jobs, internships and more sustainable operations. Every SME manufacturer in the South East has the potential to benefit, whether they make chocolate, electronics, precision components or furniture. Made Smarter is here to help them build confidence, take the right next steps and unlock growth.”

To inspire more businesses to take the first step, Made Smarter South East will host a free webinar on National Manufacturing Day (25 September), from 12.30 to 1.15pm. The session will explain how the programme works and how manufacturers can benefit from expert support, funding and skills development. To sign up visit the website here.