The Government has announced it will expand a successful University of Auckland programme that helps manufacturers adopt new technologies, in a bid to boost productivity and build workforce skills.
It has committed to a three-year funding package to expand the Digital Manufacturing Light programme – a joint project between the University of Auckland and Auckland Council.
From 1 April, funding of up to $475,000 per year will be utilised to facilitate the programme’s expansion, which will see it rolled out to support at least 180 small and medium‑sized manufacturers in Auckland and parts of Waikato, Northland and the Bay of Plenty, where around 55% of New Zealand’s manufacturers are located.
“In an increasingly digital world, overseas competitors are reaping the rewards of greater automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and cloud computing,” said Small Business and Manufacturing Minister, Chris Penk.
“New Zealand manufacturers need these tools and technologies to sharpen their competitive edge, but some are held back by cost or concerns about disrupting their operations, especially where in-house technical expertise is limited.”
The Minister said Digital Manufacturing Light uses low-cost, off-the-shelf technologies and open-source software to help manufacturers introduce new systems into their existing operations without the need for major capital investment or complex infrastructure.
“Businesses taking part in the programme receive a tailored assessment of their needs, help choosing the right solutions, hands-on installation assistance, and training to ensure the new technology delivers real value on the factory floor,” he said.
“A key strength of Digital Manufacturing Light is that it works closely with manufacturers and their own technical staff, building the digital skills into the business that will support sustainable, long-term improvements.
“Digital Manufacturing Light will support manufacturers to move away from manual and often outdated processes, providing real-time insights into machine performance, bottlenecks, and quality issues.
“The potential benefits are significant. Research from Xero and the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research shows that faster digital adoption across small and medium‑sized enterprises could lift national GDP by $8.6 billion.”
The programme has been adapted from the United Kingdom’s ‘Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring’ programme developed by the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) at the University of Cambridge.
Businesses that wish to inquire about the DM Light programme, please email: dmlight@auckland.ac.nz.
Information on the current Digital Manufacturing Light pilot programme can be found here Digital Manufacturing Light Insights Paper.pdf.
