WMG » Success Story (tag [SME])

Modernising a 150-year-old manufacturer: Gordon Ellis’ £70k productivity boost

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:28:00 GMT

Traditional family-owned woodworking business, Gordon Ellis, wanted to improve productivity, embed modern technologies and future-proof its manufacturing operations.

Based in Leicestershire, the company specialises in bespoke carpentry and joinery as well as polymer rotational moulding, an in-depth plastic forming process. Over the last 150 years, the business has grown from horses and hand tools to today’s digital-first precision woodworking.

Working with WMG and embedding a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) associate into the business, who implemented a new live monitoring system for Gordon Ellis, led to increased shopfloor capacity, reduced energy consumption and a £70,000 annual saving from physical waste-reduction.

Developing the next generation of manufacturing talent with Data Image Group

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:45:00 GMT

Data Image Group, a large-scale print production house based in the East Midlands, has been working with global brands for over forty years.

With a vision to become an industry leader in innovation, the company partnered with WMG to access funding, engage in knowledge exchange programmes, and collaborate with talented graduates, turning their ambition into action via internships.

From manual to modern: how WMG helped drive Darvick’s growth journey

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:29:00 GMT

Based in the Black Country, Darvick is a leading manufacturer of bespoke testing machines that push high-tech components to their limits.

Founded by husband and wife Darren and Vicki Wilkes, the company works with clients across aerospace, nuclear engineering, transport and more, designing machines capable of testing new materials and components under extreme conditions.

As the team grew and workload increased, outdated processes and data systems became a major bottleneck. To overcome this, Darvick partnered with WMG’s SME Group through Made Smarter West Midlands, to upgrade their lab management system to fly closer to its sky-high growth ambitions.

From start-up to scale-up: how WMG helped The Muzzle Movement cut lead times by 80%

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:30:00 GMT

Founded in 2022 by CEO Clara Hewson, The Muzzle Movement is an East Midlands-based manufacturer creating well-designed and comfortable muzzles for dogs.

The company exists not only to shake up an outdated muzzle market, but to shift public perceptions; demonstrating that muzzled dogs aren’t ‘scary’, but friendly, supported, and approachable.

To support their ambitions for growth, The Muzzle Movement partnered with WMG’s SME Group to scale-up production, improve business processes and expand their customer base.

From 2.5 days to 40 minutes: how WMG helped power Wright Rubber’s growth

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:54:00 GMT

Challenge: Traditional processes in need of digital transformation

Led by Managing Director Laura Hill, Wright Rubber’s team of six supplies gaskets, hoses, extrusions and rubber mouldings to their customers across the UK and Europe.

To secure the future of the business, Laura wanted to modernise operations and introduce digital processes to make their manufacturing faster and more efficient.

Building a future-ready factory: Samuel Heath’s digital transformation journey

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

“Working in collaboration with Made Smarter and WMG meant we were dealing with people who really take the time to understand." Find out more about how WMG's SME Group helped manufacturer Samuel Heath to futureproof its factory.

Breaking the mould: Fixit Medical partners with WMG to deliver a safer, smarter medical device

Thu, 08 May 2025 08:48:00 GMT

Fixit Medical is transforming healthcare with innovative medical devices that prioritise patient safety, comfort, and usability.

The first device to feature their groundbreaking force dissipation mechanism is Cingo: a next-generation percutaneous drainage catheter securement device. To bring Cingo to life, Fixit Medical collaborated with experts at WMG to refine the design and optimise it for efficient, scalable manufacturing.

How WMG helped ProtectaPet claw its way to international success

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:03:00 GMT

ProtectaPet, founded by Eve and Simon Davies, is a Staffordshire-based company that designs and manufactures innovative cat fence barriers, enclosures and ‘catios’, helping cats safely enjoy being outside.

Driven by a mission to deliver world-class, revolutionary feline care, the company earned the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2023, recognising their commitment to pet safety and product excellence.

50% reduction in boiler energy use: how WMG brought Eco Smart Systems’ idea to life

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:44:00 GMT

Eco Smart Systems specialises in providing innovative and eco-friendly heating solutions for their customers. Through advanced renewable technologies, they help homes achieve greater energy efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Sonotu transforms affordable hearing aid production with WMG

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:32:00 GMT

Sonotu is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with hearing loss in low to middle income countries such as India. Established as a spin out from the University of Warwick by Professor Nigel Stocks, Sonotu works with top experts in UK academia and clinicians in Nepal, to successfully re-engineer, manufacture and supply affordable high-quality hearing aids to those who may not have access to them otherwise.