The High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult has launched its pilot Manufacturing Energy Toolkit nationwide to support UK manufacturing SMEs with their energy costs.

As the winter sets in, the cost of energy will be a key concern for businesses of all shapes and sizes across the UK. With the Manufacturing Energy Toolkit, the HVM Catapult is opening its doors to help manufacturers make their processes more energy efficient, cutting their energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions while improving profitability.

The Manufacturing Energy Toolkit is a guided assessment or road-mapping process undertaken by HVM Catapult experts. The aim is to build a full understanding of an SME’s energy usage and energy sources in production, as well as potential efficiency-boosting solutions.

HVM Catapult experts begin with a fully-funded visit to an SME production site for an in-depth assessment of its energy mix and usage. Using technology from the pilot’s supplier Pressac, the experts identify key energy inefficiencies in the production line and offer energy-saving suggestions.

HVM Catapult also analyses the greenhouse gas emissions of an SME’s energy usage, providing data that can help build a stronger market position on sustainability.

In a regional pilot run by WMG, an HVM Catapult industry innovation centre based at the University of Warwick, the Manufacturing Energy Toolkit saved SMEs between 12% and 46% of their energy costs. Manufacturers save on average 21% of their energy costs, and in one notable case, HVMC experts achieved a 90% energy saving from a single machine.

Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of the High-Value Manufacturing Catapult, said: “SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy, but they often have to shoulder the greatest burden under external pressures like seasonal energy price rises. That’s why the HVM Catapult is offering free support to help manufacturers become more efficient – both environmentally and financially.

“The Manufacturing Energy Toolkit will give SMEs the expert insights they need to make smarter, more sustainable choices in their factories and on their production lines. The results speak for themselves, with companies saving over 20% of their energy costs on average.

“The HVM Catapult is ready to help manufacturers up and down the UK to save money and become greener with easily adopted, cost-effective solutions.”

Mark Lawrance, director of strategic accounts at Pressac, commented: “Pressac are pleased to be involved in this great initiative and firmly believe the use of our technology combined with the expertise of HVM Catapult will deliver tangible benefits. This is a great example of British technology supporting and strengthening British manufacturing in the global transition to the net zero economy.”