Potato Manufacturer Fylde Fresh & Fabulous Joins Made Smarter’s Digitalisation Programme

Pioneering North West adoption programme supports digitalisation projects worth GBP 5m (USD 6m). A potato manufacturer has helped Made Smarter’s pioneering technology adoption programme reach its 250th investment milestone.

Fylde Fresh & Fabulous, based in Greenhalgh, is the latest business to secure support from the government-funded and industry-led initiative.

It has transformed its quality control process, reduced waste and boosted profits thanks to a data-driven solution supported by Made Smarter.

It has invested GBP 40,000 (USD 48,000) in replacing a manual and out-dated paper-based quality check process, with a bespoke ERP solution. The solution uses handheld tablets and real-time visualisation of factory data.

This live view enables the business to rapidly identify, communicate and react to any quality issues, which increases production efficiency and improves traceability.

Simon Leaver, CEO of Fylde Fresh & Fabulous:
 

"The support from Made Smarter has been fantastic. It has accelerated the scale and scope of our investment in technology, which will help our ambition to build an efficient manufacturing environment which produces first class potato products for our customers."

"We are operating in a growing market and employ a valuable team of long-serving employees with a wealth of experience and enthusiasm.By putting data and analytics at the heart of a new smart operating model, we will be able to innovate, grow, and create high value jobs."

Launched in 2019 to help businesses digitalise, decarbonise and drive growth, Made Smarter has supported 275 technology projects worth GBP 18m (USD 21.6m), including GBP 13m (USD 15.6m) from the businesses themselves.

Manufacturers are forecasting their investments will create almost 1,300 new jobs, upskill 2,400 existing roles, and deliver an additional GBP 209m (251.9m) in gross value added (GVA) for the North West economy over the next three years.

Made Smarter has helped manufacturers adopt technologies which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes, others are now using 3D-printing, automation and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.

By adopting cutting-edge technologies, these businesses are benefiting from improved productivity and revenue, increased exports and job creation, an upskilled workforce, lower energy bills, and a reduced carbon footprint.

Across the North West, Made Smarter has supported more than 2,500 businesses on their digitalisation journeys, offering fully funded support including expert, impartial technology advice, digital roadmapping workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps to transform their business, and skills development.

Donna Edwards, director of the North West adoption programme:
 

"When we launched the Made Smarter adoption programme four years ago our ambition was to boost growth, productivity, efficiency and create high value, well paid jobs of the future, as well as play a vital role to help accomplish the UK's aim of reaching net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050."

"Digital adoption is still rife and robust in the SME sector. It’s been great to see that so many firms have tapped into our expertise to help them select the right approach for their business, how much to invest and which technologies will bring the greatest benefits. 2023 promises to be another busy year for Made Smarter."

"As trailblazers, we are tremendously proud of our achievements working together with the manufacturers we have supported, but now is not the time to rest on our laurels. More challenges lie ahead for manufacturers as they navigate a multitude of demands on their businesses, whilst also trying to keep up with the rapid pace of change."

"So, I would encourage any North West manufacturers who are wondering where to go next with technology to help manage their business more efficiently and sustainably to get in touch with the Made Smarter team."