A recycled plastics specialist enhances production efficiency by integrating advanced robotics, strengthening automation and operational performance.
The recycled plastics company located in Oldham partnered with Enoch Adediran, a robotics and automation student from University of Salford, to examine how automation and digital solutions could be integrated into its manufacturing operations. The three-month paid internship provided the business with valuable digital expertise at an important stage, helping to bridge a key skills gap while supporting efforts to modernise processes and enhance efficiency.
According to Garreth Brown, Business Executive at Heyside Plastics, the placement played a significant role in advancing the company’s digital ambitions and strengthening internal capabilities. During the internship, the student gained practical exposure to real production settings, applying automation concepts and digital tools to operational challenges within plastics manufacturing.
The intern highlighted that the experience offered hands-on learning opportunities, particularly in areas such as 3D modelling and network systems, while also providing insight into how digital technologies can improve manufacturing performance in real-world environments.
The placement formed part of Made Smarter North West, a government-supported initiative designed to help small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt digital technologies. The programme enables companies to explore new solutions in a practical, low-risk manner while giving students and graduates paid industrial experience.
Over the past year, participants in the programme have contributed directly to production environments and engineering teams, working on projects involving robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, CNC integration, digital twins, virtual reality, and broader workflow digitisation.
Programme leadership noted that such internships provide manufacturers with access to new ideas and technical skills while offering students meaningful industry experience and potential career pathways.
Since launching in 2019, the Made Smarter initiative has supported more than 2,500 manufacturers across the North West region, offering digital guidance, technology adoption planning, skills development, and funding support for innovation projects.
News Courtesy : Interplas Insights