A Salford furniture manufacturer has secured support from Made Smarter, the movement helping smaller enterprises join the fourth industrial revolution.
Forest Sofa, based in Ford Lane, Pendleton, is among the latest wave of businesses to introduce digital tools and technologies to boost productivity and growth and navigate the impact of Covid-19.
Ryan Mohieddin, Managing Director of Forest Sofa, said: “With the support and advice of Made Smarter we have been able to invest in a data and systems integration project which will enable us to digitally track our production through the manufacturing process.”
He continued: “The increased visibility will enable Forest to better manage resource demands and reduce the likelihood of bottlenecking.
“Significantly the new system will also enable us to provide real-time updates to our customers, something that I believe will be a first for our sector.
“We recognise that customer experience is key to a successful business, and the personalisation and automation of real-time updates will enhance our customers’ journey.”
Since it was launched two years ago, the North West technology adoption pilot has engaged with 350 businesses in the Greater Manchester region to help them.
Made Smarter has ensured that 148 manufacturers have received intensive support. Including expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps to transform their business, a leadership programme, and funded digital technology internships.
Across the North West, the technology adoption pilot has engaged with 1,131 businesses, giving 540 intensive support, and supporting 126 businesses with £3.2M matched funding for 155 projects. This investment is forecast to deliver an additional £118M in gross value added for the region’s economy over the next three years, create over 750 new jobs and upskill almost 1,600 existing roles.
Juergen Maier CBE, Chair of Made Smarter, said: “I am delighted to see the positive impact that Made Smarter’s adoption pilot is having on individuals, businesses, the environment, and the UK economy.
“In the tumultuous times we face, it can be tempting to simply cut costs rather than invest. Yet, in the long term, this approach runs the risk of businesses getting left behind.
“For the UK manufacturing sector to thrive and become a world leader, we need to find ways to encourage innovation and the adoption of digital technologies.”
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