Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies found out more about how Community Renewal Funding has helped 10 Denbighshire manufacturers when he attended a Digital Manufacturing Showcase before Christmas.
The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru - part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult - was one of 14 organisations to receive Community Renewal Funding (CRF).
They used the funding to help 10 manufacturing businesses in Denbighshire, and the Showcase, which took place in December, provided an opportunity for these businesses to tell others of the support they received.
Speaking after the event, James said:
"The event presented a chance to visit AMRC's world-leading facility in Broughton and to explore the advanced capabilities they offer, alongside the chance for businesses to speak with their top research experts and explore local funding opportunities.
"I was particularly interested to hear from the 10 SME manufacturers AMRC Cymru has recently supported in Denbighshire with digital transformation projects.
"These projects focused on improving product development, manufacturing processes and innovation strategy through the use of smart technologies such as digital simulations, automation, vision systems, metrology, dashboarding, mechanical testing and additive manufacturing.
"Some of the businesses, including Fifth Wheel Company, Bio-Check UK, Ruth Lee Ltd and Kerb Power, gave a presentation on the benefits of the funding to them. They also provided advice to other businesses about how they were supported and how AMRC research engineers could make a digital difference to their company."
The other businesses to benefit from the funding in Denbighshire were Henllan Bakery, Phoenix Optical Technologies Ltd, The Patchwork Traditional Food Company, Design Reality, Snowdonia Cheese and Goodfish Group Ltd.
James added:
“The Community Renewal Fund was designed to support investment in local job creation, training opportunities, and infrastructure improvements. It was a precursor of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), which is the replacement for previous European Union Structural Funding.
“It has helped support local areas to pilot imaginative new approaches and programmes that unleash their potential, instil pride, and prepare them to take full advantage of the SPF.
“I knew that there were many who would benefit greatly from this funding and was active in promoting it in the constituency. It was therefore great to attend this event and to find out first-hand how CRF has supported businesses in the Vale of Clwyd."
A spokesperson for AMRC added:
"The event was an opportunity to showcase what has been achieved through the project, which is funded by the Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.
"The 10 businesses taking part received expert support on three-month intervention projects from a digital specialist - with the aim to improve their product development and manufacturing processes through smart technologies.
"It was amazing to see so many local manufacturers sharing real-world digital advice , knowledge and opportunities for UK manufacturing at the Showcase. We are grateful to James and everyone else who attended and supported the event."
