NEWS

Burnley manufacturers will have the opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence and digital technologies could improve productivity, performance and day-to-day operations at a practical event taking place as part of Burnley Business Week and tied to National Manufacturing Day. 

Delivered by RTC North in partnership with Made Smarter, Smarter Manufacturing: Using AI to Improve Productivity and Performance will be hosted at Safran Nacelles in Burnley, giving attendees the chance to visit one of the world’s leading aircraft nacelle manufacturers and take part in a tour of its manufacturing facilities as part of the event. 

The event will bring together manufacturers, business owners, technology specialists and support organisations to look at where AI and digital tools can make a practical difference, from spotting issues earlier and reducing downtime to improving planning, supporting quality checks, strengthening reporting and making better use of the data, systems and processes businesses already have. 

For many manufacturing and engineering businesses, AI can still feel like a minefield. It can seem difficult to understand, expensive to implement, disruptive to introduce or simply too far removed from the realities of the factory floor. Some businesses may also be unsure whether they have the right data, systems, skills or time to make it work properly. 

This event has been designed to break that down, showing what is useful, what is realistic and where businesses can start. 

Attendees will hear directly from manufacturers and business owners who have already introduced AI and digital technologies into their operations. They will share what prompted them to get started, the barriers they faced, what worked, what they would do differently and the impact these technologies have had on their businesses. 

The session will also give businesses the chance to ask questions, discuss their own challenges and hear honest, practical advice from people with first-hand experience of adopting digital solutions. 

Rather than focusing on theory, the event will explore where AI and digital tools can support real operational improvements, including productivity, efficiency, planning, quality, decision-making and better use of existing data, systems and processes. 

Made Smarter Northwest will also outline the support, funding and guidance available to help manufacturers explore digital adoption at a pace that works for their business. 

The event is aimed at Burnley-based manufacturing and engineering business owners, leaders, operations managers, production teams and anyone interested in understanding whether AI could genuinely add value to their organisation. 

Businesses do not need existing technical knowledge or a digital strategy in place. The session is designed to make AI feel more accessible and within reach, helping companies understand what is possible and what practical steps they could take next. 

A tour of the host company’s manufacturing facilities will also form part of the event, giving attendees the opportunity to see a working industrial environment and connect with other local businesses. 

Steve Wilkinson, Project Manager at RTC North, said: 

“AI is being talked about everywhere, but for manufacturers the real question is whether it can make a genuine difference to how their business operates. 

“This event is about cutting through that noise and giving Burnley businesses direct access to people who have already started using AI and digital tools in practical ways. Attendees will be able to hear what has worked, what the challenges were and what they should think about before taking their own next steps, as well as what those next steps look like in practice. 

“For many businesses, the hardest part is knowing where to begin. By bringing together manufacturers, technology specialists and Made Smarter, we want to make AI feel more understandable, more achievable and more relevant to the day-to-day pressures manufacturers are facing. 

“We know Burnley businesses well, and there is a very strong manufacturing base in the area. This event is a valuable opportunity for local businesses to explore how new technology could support productivity, performance and future growth.” 

The event will take place during Burnley Business Week on Tuesday 22nd September, with places available for Burnley manufacturers interested in understanding how AI and digital technologies could support their business. 

Further details and registration information can be found here.