Minister for Industry visits MSM to see the positive impact of new technology and digital skills introduced with support from Made Smarter

MSM aerospace fabricators develops and manufactures complex parts and assemblies for Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and has been engaged with the Made Smarter North West adoption programme for three years.

MSM has tapped into fully funded impartial expert technology advice, a digital transformation workshop, skills development opportunities and two match-funded technology projects.

Mr Rowley, who was accompanied on his visit by Donna Edwards, Programme Director for Made Smarter’s North West adoption programme, Steve Cleaver, Lead Digital Transformation Specialist at Made Smarter, Clare Porter, Head of Manufacturing for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and Chris Clarkson, MP for Heywood and Middleton, learned about MSM’s use of digital twin technology to redesign its new factory and unlock production and capacity planning in the future.

MSM gave the Minister a tour of the premises and showcased its investment in 3D printing and the impact it is having on production templates, laser tooling and checking gauges for inspecting components.

Michael Pedley, Managing Director at MSM comments “It was a pleasure to demonstrate to Mr Rowley the impact Government support can have. Made Smarter has been a great support over the last few years. The programme supported our investment in cutting-edge Digital Twin technology which will help us optimise the design and layout of our new factory, and is helping us simulate individual production processes to identify, streamline and maximise operational efficiencies. Meanwhile, through its Fast Track Additive Manufacturing training programme, we upskilled one of our manufacturing engineers, brought that expertise in-house, and had confidence to invest in additive manufacturing which has had a phenomenal impact.”

Donna Edwards, Programme Director at Made Smarter said: “It was wonderful to be able to demonstrate to the minister the remarkable effect Made Smarter is having on technology adoption and skills development in small and medium manufacturers.

“Our ambition is to continue to spread the word to SME manufacturers in every sector that they too can reap the rewards of intensive support, including expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help take their first steps to transform their business, as well as opportunities to embed vital skills in their organisations from the top floor to the shopfloor.”