During 2024. the Manufacturing Technical Network (TN) has demonstrated tremendous progress in advancing manufacturing technology, fostering innovation, and building a strong community of engineering professionals. Under the leadership of Chair Chris Proudfoot, the TN has become an essential platform for knowledge sharing and professional development within the engineering community. During Chris’s tenure as Chair over the past four years, the Manufacturing TN has hosted impactful events, produced high-quality content, and provided valuable resources for industry practitioners. Covering diverse topics such as Future Manufacturing Strategies, Sustainability, AI in Manufacturing, and Manufacturing on the Moon, the TN has consistently provided timely, relevant content that resonates with professionals in the industry. Some highlights include:
- Impressive Event Attendance and Reach: The TN’s 2024 Manufacturing and AI - Potential and Practicality webinar marked a major milestone, attracting 600 registrations and 231 live views. Across these four years, TN events have drawn over 5,000 registrations and thousands of live and on-demand views, demonstrating the substantial value of its offerings. Participant feedback consistently highlights the exceptional quality of the TN’s events
- Community Engagement and Satisfaction: The Manufacturing TN has cultivated a strong sense of community among its members, with many attendees expressing a feeling of connection and shared purpose. In 2024, the Emerging Technologies session achieved a recommendation rate of 97%, and 100% of attendees for the Manufacturing and AI session stated they would recommend it to others. Feedback surveys have shown consistently high satisfaction rates, with many participants appreciating the chance to connect, learn, and grow through the TN’s events.
- Cutting-Edge, Actionable Knowledge: The TN has tackled some of the industry’s most relevant topics, from the future of manufacturing skills to sustainability and digital transformation. In 2022, the Future Roles in Manufacturing Engineering event successfully addressed the societal challenge of productive manufacturing, equipping participants with actionable insights.
- Continued Accessibility and Reach: The Manufacturing TN has embraced digital platforms to broaden access to knowledge. Since 2021, its content has generated over 20,000 on-demand views, allowing members to engage with high-quality resources conveniently.
- Support for Future Professionals: In 2024, the TN supported the IET Awards Team to launch the Manufacturing Apprentice Prize to encourage and support emerging talent in the industry, alongside a call for papers initiative to drive knowledge sharing and thought leadership.
Celebrating Chris Proudfoot’s Tenure as Chair of the Manufacturing Technical Network
Since becoming Chair in October 2020, Chris Proudfoot has led Manufacturing TN with vision and dedication. His influence is evident in the TN’s growing engagement, the consistently high quality of its events, and its reputation as a supportive, inclusive community for manufacturing professionals.
- Strategic Focus on Innovation and Emerging Trends: Chris’s leadership has kept the TN at the forefront of industry discussions, with events covering key topics like Sustainability in Manufacturing, AI, and Digital Transformation. His forward-thinking approach has ensured that the TN’s content remains relevant and valuable for members.
- Remarkable Growth and Engagement: Under Chris’s guidance, event participation and engagement saw a steady increase, with attendee satisfaction reaching new heights year over year. Members consistently rate events highly, and positive feedback rates have surged, reflecting Chris’s dedication to creating an enriching experience for all attendees.
- Championing Inclusivity and Accessibility: Chris prioritised expanding access to the TN’s offerings, making resources available to a global audience and fostering an inclusive environment. His commitment to diversity in content and speakers has enriched the TN’s community, making it a welcoming space for professionals from all backgrounds.
As Chris Proudfoot steps down, his contributions and vision will have a lasting legacy within the Manufacturing TN. His dedication to fostering innovation, community, and professional growth has elevated the TN’s impact and solidified its role as a leader in the manufacturing sector.
The IET and the Manufacturing TN community extend their heartfelt gratitude to Chris Proudfoot for his inspiring leadership, strategic insights, and unwavering commitment. His legacy will continue to guide the network’s trajectory, ensuring it remains a vital resource for manufacturing professionals well into the future.
2025 and Beyond
Incoming Chair, David Matthews, comments “We’re keen to extend our reach by building on Chris’ drive for attractive and engaging online events matched with topical social posts. Our themes for the year ahead include:
- Novel and emerging manufacturing techniques and their practical application
- Sustainable manufacturing and the net zero agenda
- Education & skills, and inclusion in Engineering
With our first event Lasers In Manufacturing scheduled for early next year.”
Our network owes its impact to the volunteer committee members and guest speakers who give their experience and time to the Manufacturing TN and we always welcome new volunteers who want to help in any way that they can.
