Oxfordshire manufacturers are embracing digital technology to improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness and support future growth as part of a wider £563,000 wave of investment by manufacturers across the South East.
Lightricity, based at Oxford Science Park, and MRN Engineering (pictured), based in Banbury, are among 17 manufacturers benefiting from Made Smarter South East technology grants designed to accelerate digital transformation.
Together, the projects backed by the Government-funded programme are forecast to create 50 new jobs, generate £3.8 million in additional profits and unlock £563,000 of private sector investment, supported by £245,000 in match-funded grants.
Lightricity manufactures high-efficiency photovoltaic devices designed for applications where performance and long product lifetimes are critical, particularly in the aerospace and industrial IoT sectors.
The company has secured a £20,000 Made Smarter South East grant towards a £45,000 investment in specialist welding and robotic assembly technologies as part of a wider robotics and process control automation project. The technology will help improve manufacturing precision, automate key processes and support the development of the company’s light energy harvesting products. The project has created two new jobs and upskilled three existing members of staff.
Dr Matthias Kauer, Managing Director at Lightricity, said: “Made Smarter South East’s support has given us the digital precision manufacturing technologies needed to scale production of our high-efficiency space technology products.”
MRN Engineering, a Banbury-based manufacturing and design consultancy, is investing in robot-assisted machining technology to improve productivity and strengthen its engineering capabilities.
The company has secured a £6,000 Made Smarter South East grant towards a £12,500 investment in pneumatic vice and gripper equipment, alongside robot training, as part of a wider robotics and process control automation project. The investment will help automate machining operations, improve manufacturing efficiency and provide the foundations for future business growth. The project is forecast to create one new job, upskill two existing members of staff and generate a projected profit uplift of £50,000.
Matthew North, Owner of MRN Engineering, said: “I’ve always wanted to grow the business in a way that doesn’t compromise quality or flexibility, and automation is a key part of making that possible. This investment allows us to start integrating robotics into our machining processes, helping us improve efficiency while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.
“Made Smarter South East has given us the confidence to take the next step on our digital transformation journey. It’s helped us see what’s achievable, not just with automation, but with smarter ways of running and growing the business for the long term.”
Across the South East, manufacturers are investing in a wide range of technologies including AI-powered automation, robotics, automated testing, advanced digital inspection, ERP systems, 3D printing and digital scanning.
Bryan Vint, Programme Manager for Made Smarter South East, said: “These projects are a fantastic example of what can be achieved when manufacturers combine ambition with the right support. Each business has identified opportunities that are right for them, and these investments will help lay the foundations for long-term success.
“Our match-funded technology grants are designed to reduce the financial risk of adopting new digital technologies, giving manufacturers the confidence to invest in solutions that improve productivity, strengthen resilience and enhance long-term competitiveness.
“This is just the start. We know there are many more manufacturers across the South East that could benefit from expert advice, leadership development, digital skills and technology funding. We’d encourage any SME manufacturing business that wants to improve productivity, explore new technologies or accelerate its digital journey to get in touch and find out how Made Smarter South East can help.”
Made Smarter South East is delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with organisations including Enterprise Oxfordshire.
The programme provides expert advice, leadership development, digital skills training, funded internships and match-funded technology grants of up to £20,000 to help manufacturers improve productivity and accelerate growth.
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