NEWS n 5 Automation is biggest challenge for 81% of UK industrial users MORE THAN FOUR IN FIVE industrial technology users in the UK (81%) regard adopting automation successfully as their biggest challenge, according to a new survey published by Automate UK – the automation and packaging trade organisation formerly known as PPMA. Particular factors that they cite include: the challenge of automating bespoke products; the level of skilled labour needed to support automation; and the diculty of keeping abreast of developments such as AI and cobots. Automate UK says that while there is “a real appetite for greater adoption of automation in the UK,” it adds that “there are challenges to overcome”. Many manufacturers – SMEs, in particular – believe that the high costs of automation put it out of reach for them. There is also “a cultural issue” concerning the speed at which automation investments should pay for themselves, according to Automate UK, which suggests that the potential for osetting costs through improved eciencies is not being considered. The survey – based on feedback from 165 of the organisation’s members, industry experts and users of automation technology – reveals that the cost of investment is the biggest barrier to adopting more automation for 73% of the respondents, while 32.6% cite unrealistic expectations, followed by a lack of knowledge of what’s available (30.5%). Other restraining factors include diculties in nding the right suppliers (23%), fear of failure (20.9%) and an inability to source nance (15.8%). According to the report, the various challenges that emerged during the Covid pandemic worsened during 2023. Supply chain issues have been having the biggest impact for 73% of endusers, with the ow of vital components being disrupted and costs being driven up. Contributing factors have included rising geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity breaches, the costs of raw materials, and a lack of both skilled and unskilled labour following Brexit. Automate UK’s members have found it dicult to source the automation components needed to build specialpurpose machines. This is delaying the completion of projects and preventing suppliers from being paid. Automate UK reports that there has been a slight decline in pay increases (excluding bonuses), but recorded a 7.7% increase – the biggest annual growth since records began in 2001. The survey’s nding have been published in Automate UK's 2024 Industry Report. This year is widely expected to be a positive year for the automation sector, with 67% of respondents saying that they feel optimistic or very optimistic about the coming months. Automate UK expects this condence to translate into increased capital expenditure, the wider adoption of AI technologies, and transformative growth. “As well as demonstrating the desire of end-user companies for the greater adoption of automation, this report also sets out some of the perceived challenges and barriers to success,” says Automate UK CEO, Peter Williamson. “By identifying these challenges, we are helping our members to work more collaboratively with their customers to break down these perceived barriers for mutual benet.” The report is available as a free download from: https://www.automate-uk.com/ industry-insights-2023-2024 www.drivesncontrols.com May 2024 THE WELSH DRIVES-MAKER Invertek Drives has produced its three millionth VSD (variable-speed drive), just three years after hitting the two-million mark. The company, part of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, recorded a record turnover of £96.5m in 2023 – a 27% increase on the £76.3m it achieved the previous year. Invertek is currently undergoing a major expansion, including a new 2,750m2 facility in Welshpool to boost its production capacity to more than 1.5 million drives a year. With a workforce exceeding 460 employees, the company recently announced plans for a multi-million pound investment in R&D, including a new Innovation Centre and headquarters. The US and Americas markets have become the company's biggest sales region, with Invertek Drives USA generating a turnover of more than £24m in 2023. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate our record-breaking year and the signicant contribution of our US operations,” says Invertek CEO, Adrian Ellam. “We are committed to continued investment in our global headquarters in Wales, creating new jobs and further solidifying our position as a leading innovator in the VFD industry. “We are expanding our Innovation team signicantly to create nextgeneration VFD products as more and more industries and sectors adopt such technologies to increase eciencies in systems and reduce energy consumption, leading to improved protability,”he adds. Invertek attributes its strong 2023 results to a variety of factors, including its continuous innovation and investment in VSD technologies, strategic investments in global expansion, and focus on easy-to-use and reliable products. Another factor is its specialised product lines, such as its recentlaunched Optidrive Elevator Core VSD, and its Optidrive Coolvert VSDs for heat pump and refrigeration systems. This range has been key in securing large OEM contracts in the expanding heat pump market. “Our commitment to innovation has fuelled our success,” says sales and marketing director, Rhydian Welson. “Our signicant and continued investment in innovation over the past 25 years has positioned us as a leader in the development of VFD technology. We have a large and dedicated customer base who recognise the ease of use and durability of our drives in a wide range of applications – often in demanding environments.” Invertek builds three millionth VSD and raises sales by 27% Automate UK CEO Peter Williamson: breaking down perceived barriers for mutual benefit
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