(L-R) Andrew McIntyre, general manager and Tony Marsh head of graphics
SME manufacturers in the print, graphics and signage sector are investing in digital technologies to boost productivity, create new jobs and strengthen competitiveness with support from Made Smarter, a government-backed programme.
Businesses producing commercial print, fine art reproductions, garment printing, specialist graphics, signage and packaging tooling are among those embracing automation, digital workflow systems and advanced production technologies after grants from Government-backed programmes in the North West, South East and Yorkshire.
They include Firpress Printers, based in Workington, Cumbria, which secured a £20,000 Made Smarter grant towards a £40,000 investment in PrintIQ, a cloud-based management information system. The technology brings quoting, production, scheduling, inventory and customer communications into a single platform, helping the business improve efficiency, increase production capacity and create three new jobs.
Co-owner Kerri Black said: “Made Smarter gave us the confidence to take a step we simply wouldn’t have taken on our own. The new system will transform the way we operate, reducing administration, improving visibility across the business and helping us respond more quickly to customers. It’s about having the right tools in place to make better decisions, work more efficiently and grow the business at a pace that’s sustainable and right for us.”
In Greater Manchester, PP Graphics invested £46,000 in a customer portal and systems integration project, supported by a £20,000 Made Smarter grant. The new software will automate artwork approval, streamline customer communications and improve scheduling, efficiency and right-first-time performance, while creating a new job and upskilling nine existing employees.
General Manager Andrew McIntyre said: “The new software is a vital part of our automation journey. Artwork is the lifeblood of our business. Getting customer artwork press-ready with minimal back and forth improves scheduling, efficiency and right-first-time performance. It also gives customers a much smoother experience, allowing them to place orders, upload artwork and manage campaigns through a single portal.”
Meanwhile, Identity Printing, also in Greater Manchester, invested £45,000 in a Resolute DTF UV Faux Embroidery System, supported by a £20,000 Made Smarter grant. The investment will enable the garment print specialist to expand its product range, improve production efficiency and create three new jobs while upskilling two existing members of staff.
Harry Matthews, operations executive at Identity Printing
Business Development Director Leo Stanley said: “Working with Made Smarter has been a really positive experience. The support has helped us invest in new technology that will make a real difference to the way we operate as a business. It allows us to expand our product range, improve efficiency, and offer our customers something more innovative within garment decoration.”
In Kent, Art4Site, a specialist fine art printing company, invested £40,000 in a next-generation large-format scanner, backed by a £20,000 Made Smarter South East grant. The technology has created what the business believes is the UK’s largest flatbed fine art scanning facility, dramatically reducing scanning times while improving colour accuracy and supporting a more integrated print-on-demand workflow. The project is forecast to create two new jobs and upskill five employees.
Art4Site founder Michael Setek said: “We are blown away with the results from the new scanner and proud to say we now have the largest flatbed scanning facility in the UK. Customers are thrilled with our new addition and we are now working with larger artwork which we previously had to turn away. This is a new era for our production.”
In West Yorkshire, Ashleigh Signs secured a £14,500 grant towards an £80,000 investment in automation technology to create a new manufacturing cell at its Wakefield facility. The investment has improved productivity, reduced reliance on subcontractors and strengthened the company’s ability to develop new products.
Libbie Saunders at Ashleigh Signs
Joh Clifford, director of business operations at Ashleigh Signs, said: “The investment in a powered rolling machine has enabled us to create a new manufacturing cell at our Wakefield facility, giving us greater control over production, quality and lead times. It has also reduced our reliance on subcontractors and helped us improve productivity as we develop a new product line.”
Meanwhile, Andrews Signs & Engravers, based in York, invested £35,650 in a wide-format digital printing system, supported by a £15,000 Made Smarter grant. The technology introduces automated media handling, faster print speeds, remote job scheduling and automated colour calibration, helping increase production capacity, improve productivity and reduce waste.
Jill Andrews, director or Andrews Signs & Engravers, said: “We were delighted to secure support through the Made Smarter programme, which has enabled us to invest in technology that will strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and support future growth. As a Yorkshire manufacturer, it’s encouraging to see initiatives like Made Smarter helping businesses embrace new technology, boost productivity and remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.”
As well as grant funding, Made Smarter offers SME manufacturers a range of support, including digital transformation workshops, impartial technology advice, leadership and skills training, and a digital internship programme.
