Cumbrian manufacturers are gearing up for the next Industrial Revolution, thanks to an innovative pilot scheme.

Seven county firms are among 61 in the North West which have been given funding via the Made Smarter North West Industry 4.0 adoption pilot.

It has allowed them to embrace industrial digital technologies which connect systems and unify data.

The Cumbria Clock Company, based in Penrith, maintains 1,000 church and public clocks in the UK including the Westminster Tower – better known as Big Ben.

The clock repair and restoration specialist is bringing conservation and horology into the 21st century using digital technology.

It introduced a bespoke digital management system to give the business complete oversight over its operation.

The solution will increase productivity and efficiency, cut costs and reduce its carbon footprint.

Keith Scobie-Youngs, director, said: “As a business we’ve always kept in stride with technology, but to take this next step would have meant saving for two or three years.

"Made Smarter has not only accelerated that to now but opened our eyes to so many possibilities which could transform our business."

Engineering and fabrication business Hudson Swan, in Workington, invested in an integrated computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing system.

The new system has had an instant impact on productivity, it said, and has allowed the business to streamline processes, balancing customer demand with optimised production, reducing waste, increasing operator efficiency and reducing machine idleness.

Raf Gibki, director, said: "We know the future means digitalisation, but our plan was to spend the next two years saving up to be able to buy this new technology. To be able to have it now, thanks to Made Smarter, has thrust us forward by at least two years. That’s huge for us."

Other Cumbrian businesses inthe Made Smarter programme are Cranstons Quality Butchers, Penrith; Eggbase in Sedbergh James Tanner Joinery in Kendal and Playdale Playgrounds in Haverthwaite, near Ulverston.

Donna Edwards, programme director for the Made Smarter North West, said: “Data and analytics are central to the 4th Industrial Revolution, so I am extremely pleased that so many SME manufacturers are putting data at the heart of their own digitalisation journeys.

“Capturing the data from across their processes and bringing it all together in one place is a vital first step for many manufacturers looking to solve problems and recognise opportunities. Simultaneously, many of these SMEs are also deploying sensors in their factories to collect valuable data.

“The next step, one which some forward-thinking SMEs are already taking, is to analyse the data using artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“It is encouraging that so many of this region's makers are recognising that using these tools can empower them to grow their business and increase efficiency."