Sandbach was known historically has been known for its transport links - namely ERF and Foden.

Elworth in Sandbach was the home of the British truck firm, Foden, which dates back to 1856. Paccar acquired the company in 1980, and ceased to use the marque name in 2006.

The area is also linked to ERF, a British truck manufacturer established in 1933 by Edwin Richard Foden, from whose initials the company was named.

Today, other industries have sprung up, many of them based on the Ettiley Heath Industrial estate, and an organisation wants modern day factories in Sandbach to open their doors, and increase their awareness in the town.

Made Smarter is calling for Sandbach manufacturers to open their factories to the schools, colleges and the local community for National Manufacturing Day on Thursday (September 26th).

The government-funded, industry-backed programme, which helps North West manufacturers connect with technology and skills, is backing the national celebration of UK manufacturing.

Run by trade body Make UK, and now in its third year, National Manufacturing Day (NMD24) encourages businesses to sign up for a UK-wide 'open house', allowing members of the public to experience first-hand what manufacturers do, how they make some of our most loved household brands, and how they use the most cutting-edge technology.

With manufacturing vacancies high, the labour pool shrinking and makers needing help finding recruits with the right skills, NMD24 is a golden opportunity to demonstrate potential careers and jobs on offer, from engineering and robotics to data analysis and innovation.

Commenting on NMD24, Donna Edwards, director for Made Smarter North West, said: "I am delighted that Made Smarter and manufacturers involved in our adoption programme are demonstrating support for Make UK's campaign.

"NMD24 aligns perfectly with the programme's ambitions to help SME manufacturers achieve their digital transformation with a people-led approach and using technology as a tool.

"It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate UK manufacturing and emphasise the role of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to encourage more students to pursue these subjects, something Made Smarter is passionate about. 

"By opening their factories, which are normally closed to the public, it is the perfect opportunity for manufacturers to showcase the huge progress that has been made from the traditional oily rag image towards the smart modern factory. I would encourage more manufacturers to join the campaign."

Made Smarter is also holding a special LinkedIn Live to celebrate the programme's impact nationwide. The bite-sized broadcast will take place on Thursday, September 26 at 12pm.

Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation added: "National Manufacturing Day is a really exciting day where the whole manufacturing sector will come together to celebrate the amazing things that Britain designs and makes.

"Britain's manufacturing companies are at the forefront of global renewable technology development and some of the most innovative engineering developments seen anywhere around the world. This is a sector with amazing opportunities and we hope this third National Manufacturing Day will give people who have never had the chance to see inside their local businesses just what is going on and the opportunities available to them."

To learn more about how to get involved visit this link or visit this link.

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