Spring producer wins grant to enhance digital technology in manufacturing

Spinks, a pocket spring manufacturer and components supplier to the mattress and furniture industries, has been been awarded significant funding by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). 

One of just 12 UK companies awarded a UKRI grant under its Made Smarter innovation challenge, Spinks – part of Leeds-based luxury bedmakers Harrison Spinks – will develop an application of digital technologies within wire drawing, spring manufacturing and bed making. 

The grant – which totals £670,000 – will be put towards developing a smart network of digital decision tools to simulate and predict resource and energy use, with sensors and meters to assess production and improve its effectiveness.  

Darren Marcangelo, managing director of Spinks, said: “We’re pleased to be one of only 12 UK companies recognised for our digital innovation efforts and continued focus on driving forward the sustainability of our manufacturing processes.  

“It is vital for the manufacturing sector to continuously evolve and adopt the very latest in digital technology solutions and we’re proud to be a part of pioneering these efforts.” 

Projects applying for the UKRI funding were required to show an innovative development and application of data or digital technology that could help optimise material usage, and reduce, reuse or separate waste materials, or lower energy consumption to increase sustainability throughout an area of production. 

Spinks will work alongside consortium partners; Bespoke Automation Controls Solutions, with expertise in machine programming languages and the Manufacturing Technology Centre, who have deep experience in digitised factory projects.