Drives & Controls April 2022

T he digital revolution sweeping through the manufacturing industries of most developed nations can be a daunting prospect, particularly for small or medium-sized companies with traditional manufacturing operations and limited understanding of how to navigate the return on investment that the introduction of digital technologies can provide businesses. But if the UK manufacturing sector is to prosper, it is vital for companies of all sizes to understand how new technologies can improve their operations and embrace the changes necessary to secure their future. The manufacturing sector is moving quickly and the UK risks losing out on jobs and investment if we allow ourselves to fall behind international competition. It is no coincidence that the UK lags behind most industrialised nations in both automation adoption and productivity. Globally, major manufacturing companies are looking for a digitally enabled supply chain with the knowledge and skills to support an end-to-end digital transformation. They are also embracing green technologies for the production, life and eventual disposal of their products. The MTC works with all tiers of manufacturers to help them introduce new technologies and digitalisation and many of them have reported big increases in productivity and efficiency. Digitalisation has also led to improvements in capacity, capability and quality, which in turn, have led to greater competitiveness and an increased order book. Examples of MTC collaborators who have benefited from digitalising processes and production include an engineering company that introduced automation and was subsequently able to re-shore component production from China; a construction company that developed the capacity using a digital manufacturing facility to produce composite roof tiles on-site; the crop-spraying equipment manufacturer which doubled its turnover and increased capacity with the introduction of automation; and finally, the precision engineering company which saw double-digit productivity increases and improvements in quality by digitising machine set-ups and digitally linking machines. At the MTC our aim is to support companies of all sizes and at all stages of their digital adoption journey. We do this by providing engineering expertise and giving access to purpose-built digital and physical testbeds. This combination helps identify, implement and de-risk the adoption of digital and automation technology to transform businesses and their processes. That is why the MTC is delighted to be exhibiting at Smart Industry Expo 2022, and to have the opportunity to show delegates some of the technological advances developed by us and our partners. We look forward to meeting you on Stand F60 at Smart Industry Expo 2022/Drives & Controls to discuss how we at the MTC can support you on your digital journey. Dr. Joe Darlington, Director, Technology, Manufacturing Technology Centre At the MTC our aim is to support companies of all sizes and at all stages of their digital adoption journey. S103 www.smartindustry-expo.com Show Guide 2022 SMART INDUSTRY EXPO 2022 Supporting companies on their digital adoption journey