Sustainable clothing manufacturer adopts automated cutting and digital systems to enhance productivity and scale operations
Manchester-based sustainable clothing brand WAWWA has announced a £120,000 investment in advanced fabric automation technologies to improve production efficiency, reduce waste, and expand in-house manufacturing capacity. The initiative is being supported by Made Smarter North West, a government-backed programme that helps small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt digital solutions.
The investment focuses on modernising WAWWA’s fabric cutting process, which had previously been carried out manually, with a significant portion outsourced. By introducing an automated fabric spreading and cutting system, the company expects to cut processing time by over 90% while reducing material waste by nearly half. This move directly addresses long-standing inefficiencies that have limited production output.
WAWWA’s digital transformation began in 2024 with the adoption of a CAD/CAM system, supported by an initial grant. This shift replaced manual pattern-making with digital workflows, resulting in a 90% reduction in pattern storage needs and a 75% decrease in grading time. Improved fabric utilisation also enabled the company to broaden its product range without increasing its workforce.
Building on these gains, WAWWA secured additional funding to install the automated cutting system, following technical guidance from the University of Salford’s Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre. The new system integrates with existing software, creating a streamlined workflow from design to production and significantly enhancing operational capacity.
Beyond financial support, Made Smarter North West has provided leadership training and facilitated technology trials, allowing WAWWA to test automation solutions before full-scale implementation.
Looking ahead, the company plans to further digitise its production and inventory systems while expanding its retail footprint in Manchester. By combining automation, digital tools, and strategic support, WAWWA aims to build a scalable and sustainable manufacturing model that supports long-term growth.