Do you want to grow your manufacturing business utilising new digital technologies? Increase your efficiency? Reduce your downtime? Get to market faster?
If you’re a manufacturer who employs ten or more staff and you are based in the D2N2 region (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire) or Leicestershire or Lincolnshire, Made Smarter East Midlands can help.
Why not register your interest with Made Smarter today?
That’s what Ratio Technology did. Ratio Technology are spearheading innovation in bicycle component manufacturing. Founded in 2018 by engineers and avid cyclists Tom Simpson and Felix Barker, and based in the Lake District, the company specialises in drivetrain products such as chainrings and derailleur cages, amassing a global customer base.
Facing challenges due to limited resources, Ratio Technology previously relied on subcontractors for production. Recognising the need for greater control and quality, they made a pivotal move by investing in 3-axis CNC machining technology. This shift brought production in-house, fostering customisation and innovation while mitigating delays and errors.
Supported by Made Smarter’s grant funding, Ratio Technology acquired a Brother R450X2 3-axis CNC machine with a twin pallet setup for seamless non-stop machining. This strategic shift centralised design and production, allowing them to digitise their workflow, resulting in increased efficiency.
Moreover, this transition empowered Ratio Technology to proudly introduce their first fully ‘Made in the Lakes’ components, exemplifying their commitment to local production. This expansion is propelling Ratio’s growth, with plans to nearly double their team and recruit new talent across various roles.
Tom Simpson, co-founder of Ratio Technology, credited Made Smarter’s support as game-changing. He emphasised that the grant accelerated their technology adoption and expanded their scope of investment.
“Made Smarter’s grant has accelerated our adoption of this vital technology by a year or more and broadened the scope of the investment,”
Tom Simpson, Founder of Ratio Technology
Looking forward, Ratio Technology aims to revolutionise the bicycle industry by focusing on bicycle drivetrain technology. Their vision centres on disrupting planned obsolescence practices. Certified B Corp status and a commitment to sustainability underline their core values.
As Ratio Technology continues its growth trajectory, their journey exemplifies the impact of innovation, determination, and strategic support in redefining an industry.
Are you looking to innovate, but need expert support and grant funding to help? Why not register your interest with Made Smarter East Midlands today and one of their Digital Technology Specialists will be in touch to start you on your digital journey.
For media enquiries, contact:
Nicola Swaney,
Head of External Affairs, D2N2 LEP
nicola.swaney@d2n2lep.org
