15th July 2019
The UK manufacturing industry has seen a mixed first half to 2019
The UK manufacturing industry has seen a mixed first half to 2019
The manufacturing sector has seen a mixed start to 2019, there is still much focus on becoming more digital and ensuring the workforce of the future has the experience and skills to cope with the demands on industry 4.0. It will be interesting to see the full impact of Brexit (as and when it does eventually happen) and how the Government will support the manufacturing sector.
Brexit has been a key focus for manufacturers as many businesses have experienced an increase in orders with customers stock piling ahead of the anticipated Brexit, a failed Brexit has now led to orders dipping as highlighting by the Quarter 2 manufacturing survey published by Make UK and BDO LLP. Export orders are continuing to trend down which would suggest an impact from the uncertainty that Brexit is providing. Read the full report here.
Technology and the future of the UK manufacturing industry
Investing in smart factories is still a key priority for a lot of manufacturers, as the sector becomes more digitalised. AI (Artificial Intelligence), cloud computing and robotics will all play their part in the future as these developments power the next industrial revolution (Industry 4.0).
With the advent of Industry 4.0, cyber security is becoming a real threat to the industry as manufacturers become more digitalised and increase their connected footprint the risk of being exposed to cyber-crime will increase. The EEF’s cybersecurity report found that whilst 91% of manufacturers are investing in digital technology, 35% said they are holding back on fully investing due to concerns around cybersecurity. It’s a legitimate concern as the EEF report found that 24% of manufacturers have already sustained financial or other business losses as a result of a cyberattack, you can read the full report here.
The manufacturing skills shortage is another factor as the sector moves into a more digital era, digital skills are a rare source and manufacturers need to look at investing in their workforce to ensure they are building a workforce ready for a digital future. With a retiring workforce and a shortage of staff to replace them the gap is continuing to grow, this article in the Aircraft Interiors International highlights the skills shortage plight.
At Southern Springs and Pressings, we are constantly investing in training our people, as members of the Institute of Spring Technology we access their courses to ensure our staff are trained on the most up to date spring technology software and machines. We have recently recruited two further members of staff and we are always keen to work closely with our local college in Brockenhurst as we’ve now hired three of their engineering students in the last five years.
Tim Page, Managing Director said “We are constantly planning for the future and investing not just in new machinery but the development of our team. There is a lot of change ahead for the sector, but we are fully prepared to embrace this”.
