September 2020

News 0 8 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk September 2020 As we enter the Autumn and industry, the economy and the political world emerges from the late summer break all eyes will be on how far the recovery is becoming entrenched or whether there remain many long months ahead. In the six months since the lockdown in the UK manufacturing has demonstrated its incredible resilience and just how dynamic and innovative it can be. Having gone through decades of being told that we don’t make anything in the UK anymore and that we don’t need a manufacturing sector you’d be hard pressed to find any commentator arguing that now. The key moving forward is how we place the sector at the forefront of recovery. Make UK is leading the campaign to protect key skills in particular, working with the trade unions and other industry bodies to call for a National Skills Task Force with the aim of protecting key skills in the short term and re-deploying those made redundant in to other sectors and companies that are growing. In the medium to long term the aim is to use the task force to identify which will sectors will be the growth sectors and what skills of re-training will be needed for them. We will also be continuing to promote of three point plan for recovery including proposals to roll out the Made Smarter campaign for digital technologies nationwide as well as working with regional bodies as part of the levelling up agenda across the UK. Our latest data shows that job losses are likely in the short term, especially in those sectors hit hardest such as aerospace and automotive and Make UK has called for the extension of the Job Retention Scheme to help these sectors in particular and protect some jobs. There is more encouraging news however in that our latest indicators show the number of companies expecting normal trading conditions to take twelve months or longer to return is falling while those expecting to be fully operational by the start of 2021 is increasing. Politically the light will fall on the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement which is likely to be one of the most important in living memory, as well as the spending review, both of which will be key to restoring growth. By MAKE UK chief executive, Stephen Phipson MAKE uk - the manufacturers’ organisation monthly news comment Having been given the green light to go ahead by the Government, the forthcoming co-located events; Plant & Asset Management, Drives & Controls, Smart Industry Expo, Fluid Power & Systems, and Air-Tech Exhibitions – will return to Birmingham’s NEC between the 25th -27th January 2021, alongside MACH. Located at the heart of the 2021 co-location and adhering to Government safety procedures, are The Digitalisation and Engineering Forums. With a strong emphasis on technology, The Engineering Forum will bring together all aspects of plant and asset management, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics and automation, energy efficiency, machine safety, drives, motion control, legislation, system strategies and technological developments. Featuring representatives from across industry including government agencies, research bodies, trade associations, and manufacturers. Chairman of the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) Mike Wilson, will be discussing how the growth of robotics will generate better ROI and productivity. He will also explain the ongoing practical challenges, continued efforts around education, and investment in robotic technology as a means to help UK manufacturing compete with other major economies. While Dr. John Ahmet Erkoyuncu, from the Cranfield University will take a look at the importance of condition monitoring as part of a digitalisation Strategy. In addition, Nikesh Mistry, sector head – Industrial Automation, GAMBICA, will be exploring why demand for automation technology is set to grow throughout the coming year, and how to retain a competitive advantage in the face of these new demands as well as overall automation trends in the UK. Panel discussions will also be a major feature of the Engineering Forum with issues such as Predictions for manufacturing as a consequence of Covid-19: Industrial trends for 2021 and beyond. In light of the changing relationship between the UK and the EU as well as the consequences of Covid-19, this panel discussion will offer a lively debate around the direction UK Manufacturing is heading over the next twelve months, as well as the products and initiatives hailed as ways to help transform manufacturing businesses. The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) will also be discussing practical ways its members can help inspect, maintain, and manage the machinery and equipment which keeps manufacturers functioning. Other seminars and case studies will include presentations from the CSA Catapult, British Fluid Power Association, BCAS, Pilz, Primary Engineer, plus many others which will be updated on the show websites. While The Digitalisation Forum, sponsored by Pilz, will fully reflect the ongoing global transformation to the smart manufacturing era and provide a fascinating insight into the potential plants of the future, covering all aspect of the digital transformation across the manufacturing spectrum, as well as looking at how digitalisation has helped during the Coronavirus pandemic and its importance in any future outbreak. Leading expert will address the vast array of information around 4IR, discussing the practicalities, technologies and issues surrounding transition and implementation of digitalisation in UK manufacturing. Over the course of the three-day seminar programme, visitors will have the opportunity to learn how they can seize the opportunities that exist and promote the benefits of adopting emerging digital technologies through a range of practical case studies, panel discussion and seminars. The variety and scope of both Forum programmes for 2021 is extremely exciting, adding real value and will give visitors a genuine opportunity to keep abreast of the latest industry developments. For further updates and to view the full programme as well as comprehensive information as to how we will be keeping exhibitors and visitors safe during the course of the event please visit: www.drives-expo.com www.smartindustry-expo.com www.fluidpowersystems-expo.com www.airtech-expo.com www.maintenanceuk-expo.com A platform for knowledge at co-location of manufacturing events