NEWS 14 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk procuring and integrating robotics technologies. To support manufacturers beyond the initial adoption stage, MTC is establishing partnerships with system integrator partners. These collaborations will help businesses transition more effectively from proof of concept to production, reducing implementation challenges, minimising re-engineering and accelerating the delivery and costeffectiveness of automation projects. In addition, through the REC, MTC will connect potential adopters of robotics with a panel of financing providers to help them find the most suitable funding option. Commenting on the role of the Robot Experience Centre in helping manufacturers overcome barriers to automation adoption, Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at MTC, said: “The Robot Experience Centre is about helping businesses understand what automation can do for them in a practical and accessible way. For many manufacturers, especially SMEs, the challenge isn’t recognising the potential benefits of robotics – it’s knowing where to start. By giving businesses access to testbeds, expertise and training under one roof, we’re helping them to make investments that will improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and ultimately, support long-term growth for UK manufacturing.” UK manufacturers are facing mounting pressure from high electricity costs, with a new report warning that continued price volatility could force factory closures and put an estimated £85 billion of economic activity at risk unless the next Government acts quickly. The report, From Crisis to Stability: A Future Energy System for Manufacturers, published by Make UK in partnership with Ecotricity, argues that reform of the UK’s electricity market is essential to improve industrial competitiveness, unlock investment and support the sector’s transition to net zero. According to the report, 90% of manufacturers have experienced at least moderate increases in energy bills since 2022, while more than half identify energy costs as their biggest business challenge over the coming years. More significantly, 13% of manufacturers surveyed say further increases in energy prices could prove terminal for their operations. Make UK estimates that a corresponding 13% decline in UK manufacturing output would remove around £85 billion from the wider economy annually, including approximately £50 billion across supply chains. The report also highlights the broader impact of elevated energy costs, with seven in ten manufacturers passing increased costs on to customers, while tighter margins are delaying investment decisions across the sector. Make UK argues that UK manufacturers continue to face structurally higher electricity costs because wholesale electricity prices remain closely linked to gas prices, while policy levies, constrained grid capacity, ageing infrastructure and post-Brexit trading arrangements continue to add cost and complexity. Despite these pressures, the report suggests manufacturers remain committed to decarbonisation. Nearly three quarters believe a renewable-led electricity system offers the best route to lower energy costs, while 71% say achieving net zero remains important to their operations. Investment in energy efficiency also continues across the sector. Almost nine in ten manufacturers have already implemented or are progressing efficiency measures, 63% have begun electrification projects, and 87% say they would increase investment if the price gap High energy costs could force UK factory closures without urgent Government action, Make UK warns
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