A FOOD production company from Wirral is among the first in the country to join a government-backed scheme aiming to boost manufacturing productivity and growth.

The Nursery Kitchen in Prenton plans to transform the business by adopting new digital technologies after successfully applying for match-funding from the Made Smarter programme, a £20million investment between government and industry.

The firm, which produces 15,000 meals per week to nurseries across the UK now plans to introduce automation, data acquisition, analytics and IIoT technologies to move from 'out-dated, manual paper-based processes' to a more automated and integrated resource planning, stock control and client ordering system.

Jane Gordon, sales and marketing manager, said the new system will enable the business to take on more staff, expand its customer base and launch new ranges.

"From cottage industry caterer to food manufacturer, our business has become a victim of its own rapid success.

"We recognise that the barrier to more efficient processes and controls, as well as growth and increased productivity, is an absence of integrated digital technologies.

"The Made Smarter support programme has come along at a crucial moment for the Nursery Kitchen and will help secure its future."

Donna Edwards, director of the Made Smarter North West pilot, said: "We have found businesses are enthusiastic about the benefits of adopting new digital technology.

"Often, they need funding support, alongside specialist advice and insight to help them select the right approach for their business.

"Made Smarter is relevant for any North West SMEs who make, create, manufacture or engineer, and I urge local businesses not to miss this opportunity.

"I would encourage anyone who may be interested to register today for a fully-funded audit of your operations and see how Made Smarter might be able to help you."

Cheshire businesses keen on hearing on how industrial digital technologies can help them grow are invited to a special Made Smarter event at Sci Tech Daresbury this Wednesday, May 22.

There will be case studies, a panel of experts and real-life demonstrations.

For more details and to sign up to the free event visit

https://bit.ly/2Hqmm9D

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