NEWS 8 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS June 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk Rockwell Automation announces new research showing UK manufacturers shift from AI adoption to industrial execution Rockwell Automation has announced the UK findings of its 11th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report. The study, based on feedback from more than 1500 manufacturing leaders globally, highlights a clear shift in how UK manufacturers are approaching digital transformation. With 87% of organisations now recognising it as essential and allocating an average of 27% of operating budgets to industrial technology, the UK has moved beyond early-stage adoption and into a phase where digital investment must translate into operational performance. “UK manufacturers are moving beyond experimentation into a phase where digital technologies must deliver consistent operational outcomes,” said Phil Hadfield, UK managing director, Rockwell Automation. “The challenge is no longer access to technology, but the ability to embed it into production environments in a way that improves performance, resilience and competitiveness.” Artificial intelligence sits at the centre of this transition. Nearly half of manufacturers have already invested in AI, and adoption of generative AI is now widespread. The focus, however, is shifting away from experimentation toward practical use cases that deliver measurable value. Cybersecurity has emerged as the leading AI application, followed closely by quality control and process optimisation, reflecting a growing emphasis on protecting and stabilising increasingly complex production environments. This growing reliance on connected technologies is also reshaping risk. Half of UK manufacturers report experiencing at least one cyberattack in the past year, despite strong levels of investment in cybersecurity. The implication is clear: as digital maturity increases, so too does exposure. Cybersecurity is no longer a supporting function, but a central pillar of industrial strategy. At the same time, workforce dynamics are becoming a defining factor in how quickly digital transformation can progress. Rising labour costs now affect 40% of manufacturers, while change management challenges have increased significantly year-on-year. Rather than reducing headcount, organizations are focusing on reskilling and workforce development, with more than a third of employees now engaged in training programmes designed to support digital roles. This shift is closely linked to the growing importance of AI capability. A clear majority of manufacturers now see AI skills as critical to attracting the next generation of talent, highlighting a structural change in how industrial workforces are being shaped. Alongside AI, simulation technologies such as digital twins are beginning to move from concept to deployment. While just over a quarter of manufacturers having already implemented these technologies, the vast majority are either investing or planning to do so, signalling strong forward momentum. These tools are enabling organisations to test scenarios, optimize processes and reduce operational risk before making changes on the factory floor. However, the full value of these technologies is being constrained by a more fundamental issue: data. UK Flowfit celebrates 30 years in business Hydraulic components and systems supplier Flowfit is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of growth, innovation and customer partnerships since the company was founded. The business officially began its anniversary celebrations on 1 June, marking 30 years of growth, innovation and customer partnerships. The milestone follows another significant development for the company, which joined Axel Johnson International in December 2025. Flowfit said the move creates new opportunities for employees, customers and suppliers as the company enters its next phase of development. “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and to the loyalty and support of our customers and partners over the years,” said managing director Simon Parsonage. Flowfit said the Anniversary provides an opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of its journey over the past 30 years and to recognise the contribution of customers, partners and employees to the company’s success. Looking ahead, the business said it is focused on building on its recent progress and continuing its development as part of Axel Johnson International.
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