The event was well attended with around 35 delegates in the morning and a combined total of 70 in the afternoon. The collaboration with Policy Connect was very effective in allowing us to engage with senior industrialists.
The day was split into two parts. The morning started with an introductory speech by Clive Hickman Chief Executive of the Manufacturing Technology Centre, followed by a presentation from the TPN exec team member, Jeremy Hadall - Chief Technologist – Automation Manufacturing Technology Centre - Advanced Manufacturing.
Automation has come a long way since the first industrial robots were employed in the 1950’s by General Motors. From the use of hydraulic actuators and punch tape controls through to the introduction of servo drives, microprocessor controls and web technologies, automation has developed to become a key component in addressing typical manufacturing challenges.
However manufacturing is changing in response to increasing demands on our factories, the relentless pace of technological development and consumer demand. As a result, manufacturing automation has to change to meet these demands. From the development of simple to use, low cost robotics through to flexible, reconfigurable systems and on to highly accurate interconnected systems, manufacturing automation is responding to the challenges of modern manufacturing.
The next presentation was given by Professor David Wimpenny Chief Technologist – Component Technology on Additive manufacture. David is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of Additive Manufacturing. His ground-breaking work at Warwick University and DeMontfort University has paved the way for the use of AM in the production of end use parts. He is the Secretary of the Additive Manufacturing Association (AMA), one of the key bodies representing the Additive Manufacturing sector in the UK. David joined the Manufacturing Technology Centre in 2011 and established the Net Shape & Additive Manufacturing research theme which has grown to become one of the largest research activities within the Centre, driven by demand from some the UK’s leading manufacturing companies. In 2014 he was given a strategic role as Chief Technologist across the Component Technology area, which encompasses High Integrity Fabrication, Nonconventional Machining, as well as the Net Shape & Additive Manufacturing theme.
After David’s presentation, exec team member Ian Williamson presented in conjunction with John Garside on the Important Role of the Manufacturing Industry.
Ian opined that over-dependence on services is not sustainable, as it does not create wealth. This imbalance must be redressed, as strong manufacturing industries are vital for future growth and prosperity in the UK. Such industries create the technologies and intellectual property needed to provide long-term employment, generate the cash that flows through our supply chains and develop desirable products that do not cause excessive damage to the environment. Industry, the government, financial services and research organisations must all recognise the high levels of interdependence needed to rebuild our manufacturing industries.
History shows that nations become rich and powerful based on their ability to make and sell goods, so why do many people in the UK still believe we can maintain our standard of living without the wealth provided by strong manufacturing industries? The UK must again invest in acquiring the intellectual property embedded in future capital projects. Purchasing nuclear power, wind farms, HS2, single aisle aircraft, military equipment from foreign companies might appear a less expensive option, but it is the foreign companies that retain the new technologies to sell around the world.
The afternoon session was organised by Lloyds Banking Group and Policy Connect on the theme of Growing UK Manufacturing: Innovation, Training and Skills.
The session consisted of
Visit to MTC workshop and Training Centre construction site
Presentation by Clive Hickman on wider HVM Catapult activities
Brief of ‘Making Good’ inquiry and recommendations, and Q&A by Chris White MP
Further information about Chris White
Chris later chaired a panel discussion and Q&A session on the progress of addressing current challenges facing the manufacturing sector. Alongside Chris, the panellists were:
David Atkinson, Head of Manufacturing, Lloyds Banking Group
Rob Pope, Managing Director, TTL
Alan Norbury, Applications Manager and Catapult Centre Liaison, Siemens
Dr Axel Bindel, Research Manager, HSSMI
The event was supported with trade stands from MAS, BARA and the IET and concluded with a networking reception.
Report by Ian Williamson