Cornish start-up launches smart manufacturing platform to tackle ‘£150bn productivity gap’
Cornish startup Output Industries has launched a manufacturing analytics platform designed to boost productivity and operational efficiency for SMEs within the sector.
Busroot uses cloud computing and open-source IoT devices to provide accurate data in real-time, with an easy-to-use web, easily accessible interface designed to support SMEs in accelerating productivity and growth.
The company says the performance platform will significantly reduce inefficiency across UK industry – currently costing the economy an estimated £150bn per year.
A flagship Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) project, funded by Innovate UK, has enabled the company to further develop its technology through user feedback following deployment to more than 20 manufacturers across various sectors, including food & drink, medical equipment, and heavy industry.
Busroot has since gained strong industry traction, delivering 10–15% productivity gains for SMEs, without the need for additional staff, infrastructure, or external consultants.
“A machine is only valuable when it’s doing what it should be doing,” said Mike Wright, CEO and co-founder of output.industries. “Busroot shows manufacturers which machines aren’t delivering, why, and what to do about it. That’s how we help companies do more with the same – or less – and grow profitably.”
Richard Greasley, group production director at Adey Steel, said: “Using the insights we gain from Busroot, we have identified areas for improvement in efficiency and productivity. Our next step is to integrate energy monitoring, which will provide further insights into our production operations and assist us in achieving our net zero goals in 2025 and beyond.”
Cara Roberts, business development manager, SMDH, said: “Output Industries has been a real success story. They have created a trusted environment where manufacturers share their data safely, adding value to their own businesses while supporting the UK manufacturing industry as a whole.”
