Digitalisation programme for North East manufacturers reaches new milestone

Dyer used grant funding from Made Smarter to integrate Real-Time Location tracking into its ERP system and expand Shop Floor Data Collection terminals. Copyright: Made Smarter. 

A government-backed finance and funding programme that supports manufacturers to adopt digital solutions has reached a new milestone after supporting more than 350 manufacturing businesses in the North East.

Made Smarter, which has been running in the region since 2021, delivers training and provides expert advice to help small and medium sized manufacturers streamline their operations using smart technology. Grant funding also supports the purchase of new software or equipment to improve efficiency and increase productivity.

The programme received additional funding from UK government in 2025 and has been expanded across the North East.

Julia Austin, programme manager for Made Smarter in the North East, said: “Technology is transforming the manufacturing sector, and businesses in our region have been leading this change by introducing new and innovative ways of working.

“Made Smarter is designed to help small and medium-sized manufacturers embrace new digital technology that can help their businesses grow. From Warehouse Management Systems and Near Field Communication technology to collaborative robots and advanced laser welders, Made Smarter is changing how we make things in the North East and ensuring businesses can compete on an international level.”

Dyer, a multi-award-winning manufacturer of complex metal components and structures, used grant funding from Made Smarter to integrate Real-Time Location (RTL) tracking into its ERP system and expand Shop Floor Data Collection (SFDC) terminals. The project boosted data accuracy and decision-making, and helped spark a new venture helping SMEs adopt modular digital systems.

Richard Bradley, Executive Chair of Dyer, said: “We already had the foundations in place, but they weren’t connected. Made Smarter allowed us to create a joined-up system that links production intent with real-time reality on the shop floor. It’s helped raise the digital maturity of the business, and that has had other benefits in terms of our staff knowing Dyer is a forward-thinking company.”

In Teesside, Made Smarter helped Redcar-headquartered Elemy Group, which specialises in the design, supply, fabrication, and installation of Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) and metalwork, to introduce a new Customer Relations Management (CRM) system. The new software helped deliver a culture change across the organisation and accelerate the adoption and integration of digital technologies across the Group.

Richard Brine, Managing Director of Elemy Group, said: “Taking part in Made Smarter was about much more than just accessing grant funding. For me, the real benefit of the programme has been change management, and the way the company as a whole is now embracing digitalisation.”

Made Smarter is open for applications throughout 2026, with the first cohort of the new financial year starting on 21 April. Manufacturing SMEs based in North East and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas can apply by visiting madesmarter.uk.