Manufacturing in the UK is robust. Built on years of industry experience, know-how, and people expertise. However, we also know that UK manufacturing has, and still is, to some extent struggling to compete on a global level, mainly due in part to its slow adoption of automation and technological advancements. With negative perceptions surrounding “robots taking over jobs” and the British custom to continue repairing a machine from the 1940s rather than replace it, it has been difficult for many manufacturers to adapt to change. But not anymore. With rising costs, ongoing labour shortages, and global economic pressures, UK manufacturers must become more flexible and efficient and move into unknown territory if they are to avoid permanent closure. No longer is automation a “nice to have” but instead a necessity for British businesses, as new robotics technology makes automation attainable for companies of all sizes to help with the speed of economic recovery after years of disruption. Building stronger and more resilient businesses, UK manufacturers are now going through a period of reshoring, strengthening the UK economy, managing waste and supply chains, and bringing production closer to consumers.

Market Conditions

Currently, the UK stands 24th in the global robot density league and 16% behind the average productivity of the G7 industrialised countries, with only a reported 10,000 out of a registered 130,000 manufacturers using robotic technology. And with rising costs and labour shortages predicted to worsen before they get better, it will undoubtedly become harder to fill service-led roles in manufacturing. Roles that are required to ensure productivity levels remain high, compliance is achieved, and quality standards are met. To meet these ongoing challenges, the need to adopt automation is now a necessity for business survival. The good news is that change is coming. With a shift in perceptions, automation is now not simply seen as a way to reduce manufacturing costs but as a solution to protect businesses and ensure manufacturing readiness. In fact, a recent survey of manufacturing companies (of various sizes) revealed that a staggering 81.2% were considering investing in automation. Supporting this decision-making further, The Made Smarter Review states that introducing automation could boost UK manufacturing by a staggering £183.6bn over the next ten years. Furthermore, reports show that approximately 87% of the hours spent by workers on specific tasks and activities can be automated. And at GB Innomech, we’re here to help.

Reasons to invest in automation

You need to find skilled, qualified workers

The manufacturing industry is currently facing its largest workforce shortage in decades, with projections from Deloitte announcing that nearly half of the 4.6 million manufacturing jobs that will be needed over the next ten years will not be filled. Automation can help. Finding an automation solution to suit all requirements, from design and build, system integration, and machine refurbishment, the key is to look at collaborative automation, integrating robotics with human knowledge and expertise to meet skills shortages, upskill staff, and increase productivity.

Remain competitive

For the UK to keep up with international competition and rebuild itself as a cutting-edge, innovative industry of excellence, we must invest in automation. Modernising manufacturing production facilities with high-quality engineered solutions that allow businesses to implement efficiencies, a more flexible working model, and innovation across all production lines allows you to achieve a competitive advantage.

Can protect from further disruption

Operational challenges in manufacturing are part of the territory; however, implementing the right automation systems can protect productivity from being affected. From automating repetitive tasks and managing these in-house and remotely to implementing process automation to supplement labour capacity, mitigating risks through diversifying supply networks, re-optimising inventory, and more, automation provides more opportunities to keep your production lines running.

Increase safety in the workplace

You have a responsibility, by law, to protect employees and ensure their safety while at work. Automating repetitive, hazardous, and physically strenuous tasks is the best way to improve workers’ safety. Designed and built with safety in mind, automation can help to remove workers from dangerous situations while still performing the task to a high standard.

Automation for everyone

Due to advancements in technology, automation is no longer just for big manufacturing companies. In fact, many SMEs have embraced automation into their processes faster than their larger competitors. Collaborating with product manufacturing partners, we now have the opportunity to exploit digital technologies, tackle specific manufacturing challenges head-on, and increase production. Allowing businesses to be more agile, building on the UK’s manufacturing strengths, and securing future economic growth.

Benefits of automation

• Reduce costs, boost productivity, and increase your bottom line.
• Gain more insight than ever before, keeping you at the forefront of developments and cutting-edge global competition.
• Improve safety by streamlining processes and procedures and bringing innovation to the shop floor.
• Avoid downtime and extend the life expectancy of machinery – (automation helps to reduce costs by 20% and machine outages by 50%)
• When working with the right automation partner (like GB Innomech), you can integrate bespoke solutions designed around your business.
• Remove repetitive tasks and upskill workers, creating a safer and more agile work environment.
• Ensure continued quality while boosting productivity and increasing production.

Organisations supporting UK manufacturing

Make UK – supporting UK manufacturing growth and success, Make UK is a membership organisation representing UK manufacturing. Providing UK manufacturers with a place to innovate, thrive, and compete, Make UK helps to connect, create opportunities, and share information and knowledge. UKMFG: UK Manufacturing United was formed in 2021 by a group of manufacturers who wanted to create a space for UK manufacturers to gain access to support and information during the pandemic. The concept of collaboration in this capacity has continued ever since, with the group providing a unified voice for UK manufacturing, businesses, and individuals, providing access to best practices, networking groups, articles, industry updates, and more. GB Innomech – we design, develop, and produce innovative, special-purpose automation machinery for the manufacturing industry. From concept and prototypes to bespoke automation equipment and machine integration, we aim to support UK manufacturers to improve their productivity and boost their profitability while remaining compliant at all times.

GB Innomech’s support for increasing automation in UK manufacturing

Companies looking to stay relevant, thrive, and be competitive are those who are embracing automation, taking full advantage of the technology and support from Government investment. To ensure manufacturing remains in the UK and to help boost the UK economy, businesses should look to automation to help increase capacity and drive top-line growth. At GB Innomech, we provide automation solutions that enable UK manufacturers to achieve the best workforce model—using resources more efficiently, speeding up workflows, and reducing human error. UK businesses are adapting to keep pace, and with automation seen as critical for driving business forward, now is the time to speak to the innovative bespoke automation specialists at Innomech Group. Call +44 1353 667 394 or email info@innomechgroup.co.uk