Yorkshire manufacturer pioneers AI adoption as first in North Yorkshire to secure Made Smarter grant funding
Tadweld, a North-Yorkshire based steelwork manufacturer Tadcaster-based engineering and has become the first in its region to commence an artificial intelligence project through Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber’s Intensive Technical Support programme. www.madesmarter.uk
The milestone puts Tadweld at the forefront of AI adoption in the region’s manufacturing sector and marks the first Made Smarter-supported AI project of its kind to begin in North Yorkshire.
Delivered with specialist support from Orah AI Consultancy, the project will explore how artificial intelligence can be applied practically across Tadweld’s operations. It will identify high-value opportunities where AI could improve efficiency, support employees and strengthen the company’s capabilities as it continues to grow.
Made Smarter helps small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt industry 4.0 digital technologies through expert advice, digital roadmaps, skills training/interns and capex support. Its Intensive Technical Support programme gives manufacturers access to specialist consultancy for targeted digital projects, with up to 50 per cent match funding available.
For Tadweld, the project is a natural extension of a long-standing commitment to innovation and positive change.
Chris Houston, Managing Director at Tadweld, said:
“This is an exciting milestone for Tadweld and a strong reflection of the culture we are building across the business. There is often a misconception that long-standing manufacturers and family-run businesses aren’t willing to move with the times, but at Tadweld, innovation is one of our three core values. It means continually looking for better ways to work, supporting our people and strengthening the service we provide to our customers.
“AI has the potential to help manufacturers unlock significant improvements, but it needs to be introduced thoughtfully and with a clear commercial purpose. Through Made Smarter Yorkshire and Orah AI Consultancy, we will be able to identify where the technology can deliver genuine value and begin building the knowledge and confidence needed to use it effectively.
“We are proud to be the first manufacturer in North Yorkshire to begin this type of support through the programme, and we hope our experience will encourage other manufacturers to explore what AI could mean for their own businesses.”
Mike Pennington, Business Relationship Manager for York & North Yorkshire Made Smarter, said:
“Tadweld is a fantastic example of a forward-thinking manufacturer taking a practical and considered approach to digital transformation, and have been a huge supporter of Made smarter Yorkshire, since its inception in 2022. As the first business in North Yorkshire to commence AI Intensive Technical Support through Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber, the company is helping to demonstrate how emerging technology can be translated into meaningful improvements on the factory floor and across wider business operations.
“The purpose of Made Smarter is to give manufacturers the expertise, confidence and support that they need to adopt the right technologies for their individual circumstances. We are delighted to support Tadweld on this pioneering project and look forward to seeing the benefits it creates for the business, its employees and its customers.”
Tadweld designs, manufactures and installs high-quality, high-specification steelwork solutions for customers across industries including food and drink, distribution, construction, pharmaceuticals, renewables, water treatment and oil and gas.
The company’s participation in the programme reflects its wider strategy of investing in its people, processes and technology to support sustainable growth while maintaining the quality, service and reliability for which it is known.
Chris summarised:
“Manufacturing has always evolved through innovation. AI represents another important step in that journey, and we want Tadweld to approach it with the same focus on people, quality and practical outcomes that we bring to every other part of the business. It offers genuine first-mover advantage, so it’s great to be leading the way for the region”
Yorkshire manufacturer pioneers AI adoption as first in North Yorkshire to secure Made Smarter grant funding
Tadweld, a North-Yorkshire based steelwork manufacturer Tadcaster-based engineering and has become the first in its region to commence an artificial intelligence project through Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber’s Intensive Technical Support programme.
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