June 2021

2021 is arguably one of the most important in PWE’s history as businesses come to a digitalisation crossroads. PWE reaches 40 years old! P WE’s editorial has reported on numerous technological advances since its creation in 1981, none more so than the rapid technological developments as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the extremely important response by the UK manufacturing and engineering sectors to help step up production of vital medical equipment. So as PWE reaches its 40th Anniversary this month, it is a great time to celebrate these significant achievements and changes in the engineering sector over this period, and not least those changes taking place today! 2021 will of course take its own place in history for COVID-19, but it will also be a year of significant Editor’s Comment change for many manufacturers who are advancing digitalisation projects faster than previously anticipated as a consequence of the pandemic. Digitalisation being what many, including myself, would argue is the single most significant develpoment for the engineering and manufacturing sectors over the last 40 years. 2021 is also arguably one of the most important in PWE’s history as businesses come to a digitalisation crossroads. Therefore, the need to report on the latest cutting-edge technology from around the globe is more important than ever what with the forward march of digitalisation and its major impact on skill sets and work management, which in turn is creating a new set of challenges. However this ‘fourth revolution’ has given us the tools to seek new growth opportunities in new markets to allow us to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately UK businesses are pivoting and seeking growth opportunities in new markets as they seek ways of overcoming the COVID-19 crisis. Digitalisation is at the heart of all these strategies as it will make the once impossible affordable. The next few months will be pivotal for UK manufacturing - the window of opportunity will close quicker than it has opened as those who have already invested in such technology will be in a position to take advantage of the upturn in the coming months, and those who haven’t will be be playing catch-up. A more detailed analysis of the changes over the past 40 years is given by PWE’s Andy Pye in this month’s special 40th Anniversary report. On behalf of the whole PWE team, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our readers, advertisers, and supporters - past and present - for their continued loyalty to the journal, and we look forward to another 40 years of publishing. June 2021 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 0 3