Ratio Technology receive Made Smarter backing
Ratio Technology, the Kendal, Lake District, based manufacturer of bike components has received backing from Made Smarter, enabling the business to drive further product innovation and growth.
Founded in 2018 by engineers and cycling enthusiasts Tom Simpson and Felix Barker, and specialises in drivetrain products including cassettes, chainrings and cages, Ratio technology has a growing global customer base with its 12-speed and 13-speed kits enabling riders to upgrade existing components.
Thanks to Made Smarter’s pioneering technology adoption programme, Ratio Technology has been able to invest in new 3-axis CNC machining technology, bringing its production in-house, increasing opportunities for customisation and innovation, and reducing costly delays and mistakes due to subcontract manufacturing, with the government-funded and industry-led initiative match funded the investment.
Tom, director and co-founder, said: “Housing design and production in one location means digitising the entire workflow, from concept through prototyping to production, in the most efficient manner possible. We can take concepts to production far faster than we could with a subcontractor. Integration of the full production process means we can design with manufacturing in mind, making the entire process more efficient – whether that’s material consumption, tool use or fixture design.
“Made Smarter’s grant has accelerated our adoption of this vital technology by a year or more and broadened the scope of the investment. We are now looking to expand the team by creating new roles and upskilling four existing team members. This investment is game-changing for our business. We’re incredibly proud to be able to etch #madeinthelakes on our new components.”
Made Smarter
Launched in 2019 to help businesses digitalise, decarbonise and drive growth, Made Smarter has now helped 250 SME manufacturers adopt technologies which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes, others are now using 3D-printing, automation and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.
By adopting cutting-edge technologies, these businesses are benefiting from improved productivity and revenue, increased exports and job creation, an upskilled workforce, lower energy bills, and a reduced carbon footprint.
By supporting many of these businesses to take their first steps towards digitalisation, Made Smarter is also paving the way for more advanced technologies coming quickly down the track such as the industrial metaverse.
Commenting on the programme’s achievement, Donna Edwards, director of the North West adoption programme, said: “When we launched the Made Smarter adoption programme four years ago our ambition was to boost growth, productivity, efficiency and create high value, well paid jobs of the future, as well as play a vital role to help accomplish the UK’s aim of reaching net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050.
“Digital adoption is still rife and robust in the SME sector. It’s been great to see that so many firms have tapped into our expertise to help them select the right approach for their business, how much to invest and which technologies will bring the greatest benefits. 2023 promises to be another busy year for Made Smarter.”
“As trailblazers, we are tremendously proud of our achievements working together with the manufacturers we have supported, but now is not the time to rest on our laurels. More challenges lie ahead for manufacturers as they navigate a multitude of demands on their businesses, whilst also trying to keep up with the rapid pace of change. So, I would encourage any North West manufacturers who are wondering where to go next with technology to help manage their business more efficiently and sustainably to get in touch with the Made Smarter team.”
