High Value Manufacturing Catapult helps SMEs slash energy costs with new Manufacturing Energy Toolkit
Today, the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult has launched its pilot Manufacturing Energy Toolkit nationwide to support UK manufacturing SMEs with their energy costs.
- The Manufacturing Energy Toolkit will help manufacturers slash energy usage, saving them money and cutting greenhouse gas emissions
- A pilot by WMG industrial innovation centre resulted in SMEs saving on average 21% of their energy costs, achieving as much as 90% energy savings on a single machine
- The High Value Manufacturing Catapult will offer the Manufacturing Energy Toolkit to SMEs at no cost to the businesses
As the winter sets in, the cost of energy will be a key concern for businesses of all shapes and sizes across the UK. With the Manufacturing Energy Toolkit, the HVM Catapult is opening its doors to help manufacturers make their processes more energy efficient, cutting their energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions while improving profitability.
The Manufacturing Energy Toolkit is a guided assessment or roadmapping process undertaken by HVM Catapult experts. The aim is to build a full understanding of an SME’s energy usage and energy sources in production, as well as potential efficiency-boosting solutions.
HVM Catapult experts begin with a fully-funded visit to an SME production site for an in-depth assessment of its energy mix and usage. Using technology from the pilot’s supplier Pressac, the experts identify key energy inefficiencies in the production line and offer energy-saving suggestions. HVM Catapult also analyses the greenhouse gas emissions of an SME’s energy usage, providing data that can help build a stronger market position on sustainability.
In a regional pilot run by WMG, an HVM Catapult industry innovation centre based at the University of Warwick, the Manufacturing Energy Toolkit saved SMEs between 12% and 46% of their energy costs. Manufacturers save on average 21% of their energy costs, and in one notable case, HVMC experts achieved a 90% energy saving from a single machine.
Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, said:
“SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy, but they often have to shoulder the greatest burden under external pressures like seasonal energy price rises. That’s why the HVM Catapult is offering free support to help manufacturers become more efficient – both environmentally and financially."
“The Manufacturing Energy Toolkit will give SMEs the expert insights they need to make smarter, more sustainable choices in their factories and on their production lines. The results speak for themselves, with companies saving over 20% of their energy costs on average."
“The HVM Catapult is ready to help manufacturers up and down the UK to save money and become greener with easily-adopted, cost-effective solutions.”
Mark Lawrance, Director of Strategic Accounts at Pressac, said:
“Pressac are pleased to be involved in this great initiative and firmly believe the use of our technology combined with the expertise of HVM Catapult will deliver tangible benefits. This is a great example of British technology supporting and strengthening British manufacturing in the global transition to the net zero economy.”
Notes to Editors
For more information about the Manufacturing Energy Toolkit, SMEs should visit hvm.catapult.org.uk/manufacturing-energy-toolkit/.
About HVM Catapult
Established and supported by Innovate UK, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult is the catalyst for growth and success of UK advanced manufacturing. Our centres offer access to world-class equipment, expertise and collaborative opportunities.
We help manufacturing businesses of all sizes and sectors turn ideas into commercial applications by addressing the gap between technology concept and commercialisation.
Our centres are:
- Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre – University of Sheffield
- Centre for Process Innovation – Redcar, Sedgefield and Darlington
- Manufacturing Technology Centre – near Coventry
- National Composites Centre – at Bristol and Bath Science Park
- National Manufacturing Institute Scotland - University of Strathclyde and other partners
- Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre – University of Sheffield
- WMG – University of Warwick
About Pressac
As a trusted technology partner to some of the world’s leading software and service companies, Pressac provides a wide range of cost-effective, secure IoT solutions that deliver the very best performance, scalability and reliability.
Pressac design and manufacture IoT technology for smart buildings and factories from their headquarters in Nottingham, UK enabling thousands of businesses worldwide to see what's going on across their estate. With over 70 years experience in electronics and connectivity systems, designing and manufacturing, we’re your safe pair of hands.
