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MANUFACTURING


Continued from Page 63


“More experienced employees often mentor younger recruits, ensuring we retain critical skills to futureproof the business and ensure career progression.”


Apprenticeships are also important to the business. Jack began his working life as one and says: “So far, we’ve successfully trained eight.”


The business is using technology to drive itself forward. He says: “While we’re rooted in traditional craftsmanship, we’re embracing technology to remain competitive.


“We’ve implemented a full CAD design suite, enabling in-house digital design and more streamlined workflows. We’ve also introduced advanced equipment to bring more processes in-house and improve both efficiency and quality control.”


Blackburn Chemicals employs 90 people with sales teams spread around Europe and Asia. Based on the Whitebirk industrial estate in the town, the speciality chemicals manufacturer unveiled a £14m state-of- the-art facility in May.


in association with


The self-funded premises is described as the most advanced powder defoamer chemical plant in the world and has been designed to deliver a six-fold increase in production capabilities.


The family-run business, which has been operating for more than 50 years, has become a major supplier to several key industries, including paper manufacturing – it supplies two of the largest paper mills in Europe.


Other sectors using its products include food production, surface coatings and construction chemicals.


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Jack Lamb, sales manager at the £70m turnover business, describes the new facility as “a big statement from the company moving forward.”


The company says the expansion means it will be able to further support local employment while upskilling existing staff. It will also futureproof its operations.


And thanks to a new fully automated system utilising the work of on-site chemists, the business will be able to get products from the lab to market in shorter timescales.


While the business moves forward, the challenges remain, including competition from the Far East.


Jack says price pressures are having an impact on customers in several sectors, which has a knock-on effect. He also reveals that the increase in national insurance contributions took £140,000 off the business’ bottom line.


Business rates are another area that he highlights. “We take up a lot of square footage and pay a lot to the council but we couldn’t do what we do on a smaller site.”


He adds that more consistency when it comes to legislation would help businesses like Blackburn Chemicals.


“Manufacturing needs a bit of tender loving care,” he says. “It needs some consideration.”


EMBRACING THE NEW


Traditional manufacturers are being urged to ‘embrace the new’ – to futureproof themselves and to continue to deliver for Lancashire’s economy.


The need to protect the sector is clear. Manufacturing employs 335,000 people across the North West, which is the biggest UK manufacturing region, and is worth £30bn a year.


Ginni Cooper, partner at accountancy and advisory firm MHA, says: “There’s no doubt these are challenging times for all manufacturers with tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, energy cost volatility and the tax environment all causing headwinds.


“Traditional manufacturers play an important role in our economy, not just for what they produce but also because they are the custodians of skills and knowledge that would otherwise be lost to other parts of the world.


“It’s vital we look after these companies and skills but also that traditional manufacturers themselves do everything they can to future-proof their businesses and become more resilient.


“The shrinking talent pool is a challenge for businesses at any level, but even more so for traditional manufacturers, so succession


Expert View THE KEY TO


UNLOCKING GROWTH By Sarah Woodhams,


Technology adoption specialist, Made Smarter


Lancashire has always been a county of makers, from coal mining and cotton mills to aerospace and advanced materials.


Today, manufacturing remains the backbone of the regional economy, employing more than 80,000 people and home to giants like BAE Systems, Leyland Trucks, AGC Chemicals and Victrex.


But it’s not just the big names that matter. A vibrant network of SME manufacturers powers this industrial engine, and they are the key to Lancashire’s future growth.


Over the past seven years, the government- backed Made Smarter adoption programme has been on a mission to help SMEs across the North West embrace the opportunities of digital transformation in a rapidly changing industry landscape.


Digital transformation helps SME manufacturers boost productivity, cut costs and improve responsiveness. It supports smarter decisions, faster innovation, and sustainable growth. By adopting the right technologies, businesses can upskill teams, reduce waste and build resilience to


changing market conditions, supply chain challenges and regulatory demands.


In Lancashire alone, we’ve supported 125 projects with £2.3m in matched funding, unlocking £9.4m of technology investment, from sensors and robotics to 3D printing and AI. These investments are set to create over 610 jobs, upskill almost 1,300 workers, and inject £92.6m into the local economy.


Through expert advice, digital roadmapping workshops, leadership skills development and fully funded internships, Made Smarter is giving manufacturers the confidence and clarity to invest in the right technology, at the right time, for the right return.


What excites me most is that we’re just getting started. With every project, Lancashire builds a smarter, stronger industrial base which is more resilient and more sustainable.


The county’s SME manufacturers are ambitious. But many still feel uncertain about how and where to start. That’s where Made Smarter comes in, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape a future built on innovation, productivity and highly skilled jobs.


planning, investment in training and deploying people in the right areas is vital.”


She adds: “What I would say to any traditional manufacturing business is don’t be afraid to embrace the new – new technologies, research and development and AI.


Ginni Cooper, MHA


“Just because you’re a traditional manufacturer doesn’t mean you can’t invest in R&D. Not only will it help you remain competitive, but it can also create significant tax efficiencies too.”


Many Lancashire manufacturers are already embarking on the digital road, investing in plant and people. They have helped the government- backed, industry-led programme Made Smarter hit its milestone 400th technology adoption project earlier this year.


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