NEWS 6 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS March 2025 www.hpmag.co.uk Rugby company named Manufacturer of the Year The LISI Aerospace Rugby site, a manufacturer of advanced titanium components for the Aerospace sector has struck Gold at a prestigious national manufacturing awards ceremony. The awards, organised by Make UK, the organisation which represents more than 20,000 manufacturing businesses were held in London to recognise the achievements of regional award winners from across the UK. LISI Aerospace beat off competition from other regional winners and, national category winners, to be named the Make UK Manufacturer of the Year, having already been presented with the national Make UK Developing Future Talent Award. The award was given in recognition of its huge turnaround in business performance as a result of extensive and, relentless efforts, since 2021 to transform its HR, recruitment and working Schneider Electric recently outlined how its global AI positioning unites data science with business domain knowledge to lead the discussion and disrupt industrial automation and energy management. Maria Tjader, Head of Government Affairs UK & Ireland at Schneider Electric said: “AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a strategic enabler that can help businesses enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and drive economic growth. By integrating AI into industrial operations, companies can future proof their businesses and contribute to the UK’s sustainability and innovation goals.” Schneider Electric’s AI-based solutions, framed in technology ecosystems such as EcoStruxure, transform energy management and automation to achieve both sustainability goals and industrial efficiency. The approach stems from the company’s very own digital journey, is supported by four international AI Hubs in India, France, U.S.A. and China and is actively leveraged by its Industrial Digital Transformation consulting arm. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), fully adopting AI could increase productivity by up to 1.5 percentage points annually. If these benefits are realised, they could contribute an average of £47 billion per year to the UK economy over the next decade. After significant advances in technology in the context of Industry 4.0, Schneider Electric is now calling for the potential of AI to be fully harnessed in the industrial space to correctly utilise data, streamline production lines and contribute to predictive maintenance strategies. Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Research Institute has recently released a report on Artificial Intelligence for the Energy Transition to outline AI’s role in transforming energy management, showcasing its potential to optimise demand, reduce peak loads, and facilitate a more sustainable and resilient energy future. François Disch, Digital Transformation Delivery Lead at Schneider Electric, UK & Ireland, highlighted how AI can transform sustainability and efficiency across the industrial sector. He said: “In 2016, Schneider Electric recognised the need to become AI-driven, and shortly after established our Global AI Hub – now AI driving responsible management, industrial automation, and energy efficiency practices with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion and, the mental wellbeing of all employees. This has included building extensive links with local schools and colleges, as well as academic institutions and, a focus on opportunities in particular on employees from deprived backgrounds and special educational needs. The other national award winners were: Business Apprentice: Rising Star – Callum Birnie, Bae Systems Business Apprentice: Final Year – Georgia Trelore, Bae Submarines Engineering Apprentice: Rising Star – Molly Smith, Astra Zeneca Engineering Apprentice: Final Year – Harriet Bean, BASF Apprentice Endeavour – Bethany Pedley, Bae Systems Business Growth & Strategy – Tri-Wall Energy & Sustainability – B&M Longworth Ltd Health, Safety & Wellbeing – Safran Seats GB Innovation – Luxfer Gas Cylinders Manufacturing Matters – GA UK / Ideal Heating SME of the Year – Sellectronics Ltd Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, said: “These awards are a testament to the dynamic companies and individuals working within engineering and manufacturing. The sector remains at the heart of creating wealth in the UK and as we grow our economy there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.” Mark Capell, General Manager of LISI Aerospace Rugby, added: “To be awarded the UK Manufacturer of the Year marks a major milestone for the Rugby team and demonstrates what can be achieved when you prioritise the development and wellbeing of your workforce; both in terms of employee engagement and business performance. We’re proud to know that we have made a positive impact both on the local community and economy.”
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