Momentum with purpose EDITOR’S COMMENT www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2025 3 By focusing on efficiency, adaptability, and quality, the UK fluid power industry is not merely weathering a period of economic caution, it is positioning itself to emerge stronger. ‘ ’ The UK hydraulics and pneumatics sector begins the latter part of the year with a quiet but genuine momentum. Demand across manufacturing, construction, and energy remains healthy, and while investment decisions are more considered than in boom years, the industry is not simply maintaining - it is building. Many firms are using this period to modernise systems, improve efficiency, and deepen the partnerships that will support the next phase of growth. Rather than being driven solely by short-term orders, there is a clear focus on strengthening capability for the long term, ensuring that when the pace accelerates, the sector will be ready to respond with confidence. Stock levels, once inflated as a hedge against pandemic-era disruption, are returning to a more sustainable balance. Global supply chains, while not immune to the occasional disruption, are proving more predictable than in recent years. For many UK businesses, this stability has opened the door to more strategic procurement, whether through expanding domestic manufacturing capacity or by consolidating trusted overseas relationships. The net result is an industry that is better positioned to manage uncertainty while keeping delivery schedules on track. Technological development remains an important driver. Electrohydraulic systems, blending the strength of traditional hydraulics with the precision and monitoring capabilities of electronics, are steadily moving into wider use. These systems offer tangible benefits: greater control, reduced energy consumption, and easier integration with predictive maintenance tools. Importantly, their adoption reflects a shift toward targeted, high-impact innovation - investment that delivers both immediate gains and long-term adaptability. The sector’s established strengths - engineering excellence, technical depth, and a strong commitment to reliability - continue to underpin its reputation. What is changing is how these qualities are applied. Digital integration, modular design, and smarter control systems are being introduced not to replace proven methods, but to enhance and extend their value in a modern industrial context. Looking ahead, there is reason for optimism. The pace may be deliberate, but it is purposeful. By focusing on efficiency, adaptability, and quality, the UK fluid power industry is not merely weathering a period of economic caution, it is positioning itself to emerge stronger, more capable, and better aligned with the evolving demands of an increasingly connected and efficiency-conscious world. Aaron Blutstein Editor
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=