With this investment, the company aims to address one of its most significant production bottlenecks, as fabric is currently cut by hand and roughly 35% of this process is outsourced.
The new automated fabric spreading and cutting system is expected to save over 90% of the time previously spent on laying and cutting fabric, while almost halving the amount of fabric wasted during production.
This marks the latest phase in WAWWA’s digital transformation, involving £120,000 invested across two related technology projects, supported by £60,000 in grants from Made Smarter North West, a government-backed programme supporting digital adoption among manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
WAWWA began working with Made Smarter in 2024 to develop a digital investment roadmap, supported by a £10,000 grant towards a Vetigraph CAD/CAM system that replaced manual pattern processes with digital tools.
The system reduced pattern storage requirements by 90%, cut grading time by 75%, and improved fabric use, allowing the company to increase product variety without adding staff.
Building on this, WAWWA secured a £50,000 grant for an automated fabric spreading and cutting system, following advice from the University of Salford’s Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre.
The new equipment, integrated with existing software, will streamline workflow from design to cutting and increase in-house production capacity.
Made Smarter’s support also included leadership training and opportunities to trial automated cutting technology with another manufacturer.
WAWWA’s long-term plans involve further integration of digital systems across production and stock management, and an expanded retail presence in Manchester to serve as a model for future growth.
The company is one of over 2,500 manufacturers in the region to have worked with Made Smarter North West, a government-supported initiative that helps SMEs adopt digital technology and boost sustainable growth.
WAWWA production manager Charlie Pyatt said: "Technology has been a big part of the journey, but that's only one piece of it. Made Smarter gave us the time and support to step back, understand the business better and focus on the changes that would have the biggest impact.
"It's helped us become better leaders, build relationships with other manufacturers and experts, and given us a roadmap that's still shaping where we go next."
