September 2020

News 0 6 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk September 2020 Manufacturers to recognise and celebrate successes of the sector Now in its 12th year, the prestigious Make UK Awards acknowledge and reward the extraordinary work of the UK manufacturing sector. The 2020 Make UK Awards seek to recognise leading lights within the manufacturing industry, looking for those apprentices and businesses that have made significant contributions across the industry. With categories across business units, ranging from Innovation, Energy & Sustainability, Health & Safety and this year’s new categories - Manufacturing Matters and SME of the Year, the Awards put the spotlight on the UK’s leading manufacturers. Along with business specific awards there are five separate apprenticeship awards, aimed at rewarding individuals that have done the most to seize the training and development opportunities presented to them. Commenting, Stephen Phipson, chief executive of Make UK, said: “Manufacturing is fundament to the UK and now more than ever is it important to recognise and celebrate the achievements and strength of the sector. “The recent pandemic has highlighted both the role of manufacturing to the UK as well as the flexibility and willingness of the sector in supporting the country at its time of need. We’ve seen highly skilled individuals across the sector step up to the plate, switching production to go from making components for cars to making PPE equipment at the drop of a hat. “Recognising success is incredibility important in breeding a positive culture within businesses and I urge UK manufacturers’ to speak up and be proud of their own achievements.” Judged regionally and nationally by independent industry experts, this rigorous competition shines a light on the very best manufacturers and initiatives across a range of categories – rewarding change, innovation, best practice, and people. This year’s virtual programme means application, judging and awards ceremonies will all take place online. Plant & Works Engineering is proud to be a member of the judging panel and media supporter of the Awards event. Digital Award ceremony date Region Thursday 8th October, 16:00 – 18:30 Midlands and East Tuesday 13th October, 16:00 – 18:30 NE, Yorkshire & Humberside Thursday 15th October, 16:00 – 18:30 North West Monday 19th October, 16:00 – 18:30 Wales Tuesday 20th October, 16:00 – 18:30 South Mike Wilson has been appointed as Chief Automation Officer at The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). Wilson will lead the MTC’s drive to increase the adoption of automation throughout UK manufacturing. Supported by the existing expertise and extensive resources within the MTC, he will be looking to provide assistance to companies aiming to gain benefits from the increased application of automation. This will include building a community of automation suppliers and equipment vendors to ensure the appropriate solutions can be delivered to meet the needs of the customers. Wilson has nearly 40 years experience in successfully delivering the application of automation to manufacturing across a wide range of industry sectors, working for both users and suppliers of automation and also as an independent consultant. He is well known and respected as a leader within the UK automation sector and is the current chairman of the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA). Discussing his recent appointment as Chief Automation Officer, Wilson said: “I have worked with the MTC over a number of years and I am both excited and pleased to be joining this outstanding team.” His book ‘Implementation of Robot Systems’ was published in 2014 and in 2018 his contribution to UK manufacturing was recognised by selection to The Manufacturer Top 100. Ken Young, technology director at the MTC commented: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Mike Wilson to the MTC in the new role of Chief Automation Officer. He brings strong business expertise as well as broad manufacturing experience and is well respected in the sector, and by important stakeholders such as government, banks and various trade bodies.” He added: “Automation and robotics will be key to ensuring the UK addresses the productivity challenge as we build a competitive manufacturing sector for the future. The MTC wants to be at the centre of the drive to support an increase of automation adoption in the UK.” New Chief Automation Officer appointed at The Manufacturing Technology Centre

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