An SME manufacturer from Warrington using digital tools and technology to transform its business will share its inspiring stories at a free-to-access online summit.

The virtual conference, Made Smarter: The journey to digital manufacturing, on Wednesday, March 10, will show manufacturers how to leverage and fast-track digital technology and tools for a year of recovery, growth and resilience.

Twin Fix, a manufacturer of roof glazing and canopies based in Warrington, is among a number of SME manufacturers sharing real-life stories of their experience of Made Smarter’s North West Adoption programme.

Curated by manufacturers for manufacturers, the conference also features an impressive line-up of industry heavyweights such as Juergen Maier, Chair of the Digital Catapult and co-Chair of the Made Smarter Commission; and Stephen Phipson, the Chief Executive of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation; Andrea Hough, Managing Director of ATEC Engineering Solutions; and Glyn Jones, Service Delivery Director at BAE Systems and Chair of the Made Smarter Pilot Steering Group, who will showcase the ‘why?’, ‘what?’ and ‘how?’ of digital manufacturing.

Andy Devaney, Business Innovation Director at Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Manufacturing has always been at the heart of Cheshire and Warrington’s economy from our textile heritage to our world-leading position in chemicals and automotive.

“To keep us ahead of the global competition we must strive to create one of the world’s best manufacturing environments, the conference is a great opportunity to showcase to our manufacturers the tremendous achievements of the Made Smarter North West Adoption pilot and the value technology can bring.

“The Journey to Digital Manufacturing conference offers manufacturers the chance to learn from industry leaders, hear from their peers, and gain expert advice.

“By utilising the support available, including Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Hub, manufacturers can build resilience, accelerate growth, keep up with the competition during these uncertain times, and seize the opportunities offered by digital tools and technologies.”

The packed one-day programme, which will be hosted virtually using an interactive online platform, will include insightful panel discussions and roundtable debates, interactive workshops; demonstrations of the latest digital manufacturing technologies; and one-to-one advice sessions, giving businesses the vital intelligence needed to start their digital journey or take the next step.

To ensure the Made Smarter message reaches as many people the conference is free to access for anyone from the spectrum of UK manufacturing and engineering, including aerospace, automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical, construction, defence, electronics, energy, food and drink, nuclear, plastics, security, steel, space and textiles.

To register your interest, visit https://www.madesmarter.uk/conference

A rich blend of sessions will cover themes including: the Made Smarter vision, achievements and future; building resilience through digital tools, and how technology can help manufacturers enhance and improve sustainability, exports, new product development, and the supply chain.