At September's Monthly Industry Meetup — which was held on Wednesday 13th September 2023 for members of Made in Group — three business leaders from PP Control & Automation, Cummins Inc and Control Energy Costs shared their inspiring stories with attendees.
Tony Hague, CEO at PP Control & Automation, was the first speaker at the event. Tony shared insights on outsourcing as a solution to the industry's skills shortage and efficiency challenges. Attendees discovered how companies can save costs, navigate recruitment complexities, and improve time-to-market through strategic outsourcing partnerships. With extensive experience in machine building and a track record of supporting automation initiatives, Tony brought valuable expertise to the table during this event.
Next, Steven Grace, Automation and Technology Leader at Cummins Inc, gave a talk to members, in partnership with Made in Group member FANUC. Steven spoke on the revolutionary applications of Cobots (Collaborative Robots) within Cummins' factories in Darlington and Huddersfield. Steven explored the remarkable successes and dispel misconceptions around Cobots. With nearly 100 Cobots deployed globally in the last year alone, Cummins' experience underlines Steven's expertise. From Darlington's Engine Plant to Huddersfield's Turbo Plant's utilisation of FANUC Cobots, Steven navigated through aspects such as cost-effectiveness, skill requirements, adaptability to product mix, handling complexity and safety concerns.
To conclude the talks section of this event, Nigel Addison-Evans, Client Relationship Manager at Control Energy Costs, gave an insightful exploration of sustainable manufacturing and Carbon Offsetting. In this talk, Nigel uncovered the practical significance of carbon offsetting in mitigating environmental impact within the manufacturing sector. Nigel navigated through the mechanics of carbon offsetting and its potential benefits for businesses aiming to achieve sustainability goals. From real-world examples to practical insights, this session offered attendees a pragmatic perspective on incorporating eco-friendly practices into manufacturing processes.
Following these thought-provoking talks, attendees engaged in interactive virtual roundtable sessions with their fellow industry leaders, on the topics of their choice, in order to share and learn the latest best practice within UK industry.
Every month, Made in Group hold engaging talks from renowned speakers, focusing on key themes that shape the future of manufacturing. Our Meetup series covers a wide range of headline topics, including: Future Factories, Sustainable Manufacturing, Global Britain, and People & Skills.
Our members can find all of the talks below and discover a wide array of stories of success, innovative best practice and more by visiting Made U. Made U - short for Made University - is your home for best practice talks from the manufacturing community and expert masterclasses regarding a variety of modern skills.