Manufacturers across the South East are set to create 50 new jobs after investing more than half a million pounds in AI, robotics and digital technologies.
The businesses, ranging from chocolate makers and footwear specialists to performance cycling innovators and motorsport electronics manufacturers, are forecast to generate £3.8 million in additional profits as they embrace digital transformation.
Credit: MSSE grants
Made Smarter South East tech grant recipients
The 17 projects have been supported by £245,000 of grants from the Government-backed Made Smarter South East programme, unlocking £563,000 of private sector investment in technologies.
Projects include AI-powered automation, robotics, automated testing, advanced digital inspection, integrated ERP and CRM systems, digital scanning and 3D printing technologies, helping manufacturers improve productivity, reduce manual work, strengthen quality and accelerate innovation.
Among the businesses leading the latest wave of investment is General Engine Management Systems (GEMS), the Surrey electronics manufacturer whose products power high-performance race cars, specialist vehicles and aircraft. The company is developing an automated testing platform that will increase production capacity, improve product reliability and free engineers from repetitive manual testing.
Logan Lavan, Project Manager at GEMS, said: "The investment in automated testing will reduce repetitive manual work, improve consistency and allow our engineers to focus on innovation."
In Kent, Art4Site has invested in a next-generation scanner to create what it believes is the UK's largest flatbed fine art scanning facility, enabling it to take on larger commissions, improve colour accuracy and expand its print-on-demand service, as part of a wider digitalisation process.
West Sussex plastics manufacturer Nordell is using AI-powered invoice processing software to eliminate more than 60 hours of administration every month, allowing staff to focus on higher-value work while laying the foundations for further digital transformation.
Paul Mason, Managing Director of Nordell, said: "This investment goes beyond digitising a finance process. It's about creating a platform for future growth, freeing our people to focus on activities that add value, and giving us better visibility and control across the business."
Meanwhile, The Rider Firm, a performance cycling wheel manufacturer based in West Sussex, is investing in advanced computing and 3D printing technology to accelerate product development, helping bring new products to market faster and strengthening its engineering capability.
Other businesses supported through the funding round include chocolate manufacturer Cocoba, marine sailmaker Sunstorm Covers, laboratory equipment manufacturer BWB Technologies, aerospace specialist Gibbs Gears, footwear manufacturer International Dance Shoes, renewable energy innovator Lightricity, precision engineering firms G.W. Martin and MRN Engineering, portable lighting manufacturer NightSearcher, pharmaceutical containment specialist CTS Europe, curtain track manufacturer Bradbury Tracks, textile designer Emilia Hunt and others investing in digital technologies to improve productivity, quality and growth.
Bryan Vint, Programme Manager for Made Smarter South East, said: "These projects are a fantastic example of what can be achieved when manufacturers combine ambition with the right support. Each business has identified opportunities that are right for them, and these investments will help lay the foundations for long-term success.
"Our match-funded technology grants are designed to reduce the financial risk of adopting new digital technologies, giving manufacturers the confidence to invest in solutions that improve productivity, strengthen resilience and enhance long-term competitiveness.
"This is just the start. We know there are many more manufacturers across the South East that could benefit from expert advice, leadership development, digital skills and technology funding. We'd encourage any SME manufacturing business that wants to improve productivity, explore new technologies or accelerate its digital journey to get in touch and find out how Made Smarter South East can help."
Made Smarter South East is a Government-funded programme delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with 11 local authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships across the region.
Manufacturers begin their journey with an expert digital assessment to identify technology and skills priorities, followed by a tailored digital roadmap, leadership development, digital skills training, funded internships and access to match-funded technology grants of up to £20,000.
To learn more about Made Smarter South East, visit madesmarter.uk/adoption/in-my-region/south-east.