Oxfordshire businesses among 17 investing in digital tech

Lightricity and MRN Engineering are part of a broader £563,000 wave of private sector investment in the South East, supported by the Made Smarter South East programme and focused on adopting digital technologies.

The Government-funded initiative is forecast to create 50 new jobs, generate £3.8 million in additional profits, and unlock £563,000 of private sector investment, supported by £245,000 in match-funded grants.

Dr Matthias Kauer, managing director at Lightricity, said: “Made Smarter South East’s support has given us the digital precision manufacturing technologies needed to scale production of our high-efficiency space technology products.”

Based at Oxford Science Park, Lightricity has secured a £20,000 grant towards a £45,000 investment in specialist welding and robotic assembly technologies.

The new technology will help improve manufacturing precision, automate key processes and support the development of the company’s light energy harvesting products.

In Banbury, MRN Engineering is investing in robot-assisted machining technology thanks to a £6,000 grant towards a £12,500 investment in pneumatic vice and gripper equipment, alongside robot training.

Matthew North, owner of MRN Engineering, said: “This investment allows us to start integrating robotics into our machining processes, helping us improve efficiency while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.”

The project is forecast to create one new job, upskill two existing members of staff and generate a projected profit uplift of £50,000.

Bryan Vint, programme manager for Made Smarter South East, said: “These projects are a fantastic example of what can be achieved when manufacturers combine ambition with the right support.

“This is just the start. We know there are many more manufacturers across the South East that could benefit.”