Made Smarter, the UK government-backed programme supporting manufacturers in their digital transformation, is urging food and drink manufacturers to open their doors to local communities, schools, and colleges on September 26th for National Manufacturing Day (NMD24).
National Manufacturing Day, now in its third year and run by trade body Make UK, provides a nationwide opportunity for businesses to participate in a ‘UK-wide open house’. It offers the public a first-hand look at the manufacturing processes behind well-known brands, as well as insight into the latest cutting-edge technologies driving the industry forward.
Donna Edwards, Director of Made Smarter North West, said: “I am delighted that Made Smarter and manufacturers involved in our adoption programme are demonstrating support for Make UK’s campaign. NMD24 aligns perfectly with the programme’s ambitions to help SME manufacturers achieve their digital transformation with a people-led approach and using technology as a tool. It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate UK manufacturing and emphasise the role of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to encourage more students to pursue these subjects, something Made Smarter is passionate about.
“By opening their factories, which are normally closed to the public, it is the perfect opportunity for manufacturers to showcase the huge progress that has been made from the traditional oily rag image towards the smart modern factory. I would encourage more manufacturers to join the campaign.”
With UK manufacturing facing labour shortages and a widening skills gap, NMD24 serves as a critical opportunity for businesses to highlight potential career pathways, from engineering and robotics to data analysis and innovation.
Events are planned across the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber regions, with Made Smarter hosting workshops focused on unlocking innovation through better data management and technology adoption. In addition, a LinkedIn Live broadcast on the 26th of September will highlight Made Smarter’s nationwide impact.
From a broader perspective, Brian Holliday, co-chair of the Made Smarter Commission, will feature in a special ITN programme, “Manufacturing: Industry, Innovation and Impact,” discussing the transformative effect of the manufacturing sector on the UK economy.
Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, said: “National Manufacturing Day is a really exciting day where the whole manufacturing sector will come together to celebrate the amazing things that Britain designs and makes. Britain’s manufacturing companies are at the forefront of global renewable technology development and some of the most innovative engineering developments seen anywhere around the world. This is a sector with amazing opportunities, and we hope this third National Manufacturing Day will give people who have never had the chance to see inside their local businesses just what is going on and the opportunities available to them.”
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