News 08 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk Annual Buyers’ Guide 2025 UK manufacturing is undergoing significant digital transformation. With recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, Machine Learning (ML) and the rapid acceleration of Large Language Models (LLMs; Generative AI), we are witnessing levels of innovation not seen since the invention of the steam engine. We are entering a new and exciting digital age that has the potential to bring about numerous benefits to the manufacturing sector. These technologies are transforming industries by automating tasks, optimising production and revolutionising the way we approach problem-solving – just as the steam engine did, as it overcame the limitations of using people and horsepower to do the grunt work – to speed factories along at a pace never before seen. As AI, automation and robotics continue to evolve and speed up processes on the factory floor and elsewhere, their potential to drive economic growth and reshape industries is becoming increasingly clear, and the manufacturing sector and its factories of the future have a central role to play. The sector brings stability and economic resilience to the economy, and provides the jobs and goods needed to ensure that communities across the country thrive. However, despite being a major contributor of growth to the UK, the manufacturing sector faces a significant challenge when it comes to productivity and automation adoption. Just 7% of the companies we surveyed as part of this report regarded themselves as “very knowledgeable” about AI and we remain behind in many global rankings when it comes to metrics such as robot density. Yet there are huge financial gains to be had. For example, the AI industry in the UK is expected to contribute $1 trillion to the economy by 2035. And as an economy, and as a manufacturing sector, we have the potential to realise these gains. After all manufacturing contributes some 47% of all private R&D spending in the UK. It’s clear that factories could look very different in five, ten or twenty years’ time, by adopting already existing digital technologies to transform them into the factories of the future and to help boost efficiency and productivity, not just on production lines, but also in other areas such as decarbonisation and occupational health and safety. As Government moves to develop its industrial strategy, digital technologies and digital skills must be at the heart of it. Two hundred years after the industrial revolution took root, the fourth one is bringing the zero impact factory within reach. By MAKE UK chief executive, Stephen Phipson MAKE uk - the manufacturers’ organisation monthly news comment Pennine Pneumatic Services Limited (PPS), a compressed air distributor in Yorkshire, UK, has become part of Atlas Copco Group, after being acquired by Atlas Copco UK Holdings Ltd. PPS is based in Brighouse in Yorkshire, England, and was founded in 1991, but also has branches in Sheffield, Hull, Leigh and Alfreton. The company has 84 employees across the five locations. PPS offers energy-saving advice and solutions to manufacturers and other industries with applications that rely on compressed air and related systems and services. This includes compressors, gas generators, chillers, pneumatics, pipework, ducting, and assembly tools. Customers are found in all types of manufacturing industries, such as automotive and rail, chemical, construction and engineering, as well as food & beverages. “Pennine Pneumatic Services showcases strong sales and service presence in the North of England which will open additional opportunities for us going forward”, said Ariel Rubinstein, General Manager, Atlas Copco Compressors UK & Ireland. “I would like to welcome our new colleagues from PPS to Atlas Copco Group.” Matt O’Connor, Managing Director, Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd, added: “Pennine Pneumatics Services Ltd (PPS) has been built on the strength and resilience of its people. Since PPS was founded 33 years ago, the team has continued to develop, diversify and embrace change. This growth mindset has been even more evident over the past 10 years where we’ve gone through a period of acquisitions and dramatic growth. Becoming part of Atlas Copco Compressors UK, with its focus on the wellbeing of the team, innovation and the environment, makes this next chapter the most exciting yet, for both our customers and the PPS team.” PPS has become part of the service division within Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area. Pennine Pneumatic Services becomes part of Atlas Copco Group
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