North Yorkshire manufacturers among firms investing £900,000 in digital tech with Made Smarter 

From pizza dough and rally cars to signage, packaging and heavy machinery, makers are investing in growth and jobs.

North Yorkshire manufacturers are among 19 Yorkshire businesses investing almost £900,000 in digital technologies to improve efficiency, create jobs and support future growth, with support from Made Smarter Yorkshire. 

The manufacturers have secured grant funding through the Government-backed programme, which helps small and medium-sized businesses adopt digital tools and technologies to improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness and unlock growth opportunities. 

The latest projects build on Made Smarter Yorkshire’s wider impact since launching in 2021. During that time, the programme has supported more than 1,250 manufacturers, awarded 112 technology grants worth £1.6 million and helped generate almost £5 million of investment across the region. 

North Yorkshire businesses supported through the latest round of funding are investing in automation, advanced manufacturing equipment, 3D printing and data integration technologies to modernise operations and create new opportunities for growth. 

Among them is York-based pizza dough manufacturer Great Balls of Flour, which secured a £20,000 grant towards a £100,000 automation programme. The investment includes an automatic vacuum filling machine, automatic capping machine and automatic labelling machine, creating an end-to-end automated production process expected to boost productivity, double turnover and support workforce growth. 

Malton-based CarrPrep, a specialist rally car manufacturer, has invested in 3D printing technology to accelerate product development, improve design flexibility and reduce the time required to prototype new components. 

York signage and engraving specialist Andrews Signs & Engravers has invested in a wide-format digital printing system featuring automated media handling, faster print speeds and remote monitoring capabilities. The technology is expected to increase production capacity, improve productivity and reduce waste. 

Robustrack, based in Ingleton, has implemented real-time monitoring and production tracking technology to improve inventory management, increase data accuracy and support faster decision-making across the business. 

Meanwhile, Thorpe Packaging in Sherburn in Elmet has invested in modern punching equipment capable of capturing production data and integrating directly with scheduling systems, helping reduce setup times and increase manufacturing output. 

The investments demonstrate confidence at a time when manufacturers continue to face economic uncertainty, rising operating costs and pressure to improve efficiency. Rather than standing still, these businesses are embracing digital technology to increase productivity, unlock capacity and strengthen their competitiveness. 

James Talbot, Director of Great Balls of Flour, said: “I’m really proud of the journey we’ve been on with Made Smarter. The transition to automation is a significant milestone for us, not just for the productivity gains, but for how it supports our team’s growth.” 

Nick Carr, Managing Director of CarrPrep, said: “Investing in a 3D printer has enabled us to produce prototypes in-house and significantly speed up the design process at CarrPrep. It has been a real benefit to the business, helping us develop and refine products more quickly. 

“The Digital Transformation Workshop helped us identify where technology could make the biggest difference, and the Made Smarter team were great to work with throughout the process. Their support helped us secure the funding and move the project forward.” 

Jill Andrews, Director of 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.” 

Claire Procter, Director of Robustrack, said: “The support from Made Smarter has been invaluable in helping us progress our data and digital systems integration project. By improving how we track materials and monitor production in real time, we are already seeing the benefits of more efficient inventory management and faster, better-informed decision-making across the business. 

“It marks a positive step forward as we continue to modernise and grow, and the programme has made this investment far more accessible.” 

Peter Jolliffe, Director of Thorpe Packaging, said: “The grant is helping us invest in a new punching machine and further develop our production systems so they can communicate more effectively with our scheduling and management software. 

“As part of a longer-term programme of improvement, this will give us access to more accurate production data, helping us measure performance, develop meaningful KPIs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency. 

“The new machine brings modern software and data capture capabilities that will make it much easier to analyse performance, improve working practices and reduce delays. The next few months will be an exciting period as we integrate the technology and begin to realise the benefits across the business.” 

Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire, said: “It’s fantastic to see manufacturers across North Yorkshire continuing to invest and grow despite the challenges facing the sector. 

“These latest projects demonstrate the importance of adopting digital technologies to improve productivity, increase capacity, strengthen competitiveness and future-proof manufacturing operations. 

“Whether it’s automation, advanced manufacturing equipment, digital systems or better use of data, these digital projects are helping manufacturers work smarter and build stronger, more resilient businesses. 

“Grant funding is still available and I would encourage more manufacturers to register with Made Smarter and discover how digital technologies could deliver meaningful improvements to their business.” 

To access Made Smarter support, manufacturers begin by speaking with a specialist adviser about their business and growth ambitions. A digital expert then works with the company to develop a tailored roadmap, identifying where technology and skills can deliver the greatest impact. Businesses can then access a range of support, including specialist advice, leadership and skills programmes, digital internships, and matched funding of up to £20,000 through a digital technology grant. 

To learn more about how Made Smarter can help your business innovate and grow, visit www.madesmarter.uk/yorkshire