Patrick Grant's Cookson & Clegg aims for tech-based productivity boost

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
May 11, 2021

UK heritage textile manufacturer Cookson & Clegg (C&C) is expecting a 40% productivity boost through a transformational technology project.

The big jump in performance is down to working with the ‘Made Smarter North West Adoption’ programme, the Blackburn-based business said Tuesday.

The transformation into producing premium brand clothing and, latterly, protective wear (medical scrubs, gowns and reusable face coverings) began when TV sewing expert and tailor Patrick Grant and his sister Victoria rescued the business from collapse in 2016. They recognised digital technology was the key to survival and growth.

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C&C is now embarking on a major data and systems integration project. This will capture real-time data from every part of the production process and enable its leadership team “to make informed decisions to identify efficiencies, generate more accurate pricing, and increase profitability”.

The new system also aims to stimulate a cultural revolution within the business, improving the pay and job satisfaction of its skilled team machinists, a key part of its 40 strong workforce.

Grant, managing director of C&C, said: “With the support and advice of Made Smarter we have been able to pursue our ambitions of improving both productivity and cost control across our operations by adopting digital technology.

“At the heart of this new system is the introduction of well-informed decision-making based on accurate and real-time data. By combining better production control and incentivising our workforce we believe we could increase productivity by 40%, while maintaining the highest quality”.

Donna Edwards, Made Smarter Adoption Programme director, North West, said: “C&C are the perfect example of a heritage business who are moving with the times while maintaining their identity as a traditional manufacturer.

“Data and systems integration is central to the fourth Industrial Revolution, so I am extremely pleased that C&C, like so many SME manufacturers, are putting data at the heart of their own digital journeys and recognising that using these tools can empower them to grow their business and increase efficiency".