BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
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HOME IS WHERE
THE MANUFACTURING IS
With Brexit looming large on the horizon, UK manufacturers will need to collaborate
like never before in order to navigate the challenges and maximise the opportunities
CONTRIBUTOR PP CONTROL & AUTOMATION
Manufacturers could be forgiven for
thinking they are currently operating
in the eye of a perfect storm, most of
which has been caused by external
factors out of their control.
COVID-19 has thrust the world into
turmoil and many companies have had to pivot or
adjust their factories to remain operational and,
importantly, safe for their employees. This has
underlined the great innovation and agility we have
at our disposal. However, just as we start getting
used to the ‘new normal’, there is also the spectre
of a ‘no deal’ Brexit on the horizon.
None of us want to see that eventual outcome
as all it will do is create additional financial and
paperwork burdens from new tariffs and a new
dose of uncertainty. However, manufacturers tend
to see the best in every situation and many bosses
believe we are at a crossroads.
Tony Hague, CEO of PP Control & Automation
(PP C&A), is one of those: “We can either continue
to moan about our misfortune, criticise the
Government and run scared of the new norm
or we can unite, collaborate and invest in the
opportunities that will present themselves.
“The aim should be to create an agile and
competitive supply chain model that supports
an aggressive reshoring strategy, which, in turn,
provides productivity and GDP growth. This
will rebalance trade and ensure that our sons,
daughters and generations to come have a robust
economy that funds and fuels lifestyle and
prosperity.”
He continues: “As a sector, we can do a lot
of this ourselves and we’ve already started this
process by launching #ukmfgunite, an online
directory where UK manufacturers can come
together to place/win work, share ideas and go after
new business. We’ve already got over 300 active
members and this is growing by the day.
“Whilst we’ll always look to shape our own
destiny, it would be good to get a coherent
industrial strategy in place that supports this
through tailored advice, support and grants to
encourage the adoption of automation and new
technologies.”
PP C&A is a leading provider of strategic
manufacturing outsourcing solutions to more
than 25 of the world’s largest
machinery builders.
The Walsall-based firm
touches all of our lives, whether
that is through the supply of
fresh milk, keeping the innards
of your mobile phone dry,
bagging your packet of crisps or
helping your favourite F1 team
perform on the track.
It is already seeing a shift in
focus from major manufacturers,
who are exploring ways in which
they can mitigate supply chain
risk or disruption by reshoring
parts of production, production
that previously had been
completed in low cost countries.
Tony continues: “We are
in advanced discussions with
three potential customers who
want a UK base; the plan is that
we will provide that for them.
This was primarily driven by
the need to ensure lead times
continue to be met after Brexit,
but, as we’ve moved forward
with conversations, we have
identified other cost savings and
improvements we can offer too.
“I believe UK manufacturing
will see a lot of these discussions
in the next few weeks. There’s
PP C&A has
signed a deal
with Aston
University
spin-out, EYOTO,
to support
production of
its revolutionary
lens analysis
system
also no reason why we also
shouldn’t go after opportunities
outside of the EU, with North
America already an established
market for us thanks to our
ability to provide UL508a
compliance – a quality standard
required for industrial control
panels in that territory.”
PP C&A, which recently won
two major titles at the Made
in the Midland and Business
Desk Awards, provides access
to controls and automation
production and contract
manufacturing. Over £1m has
been spent over the last year
on new Artos cable preparation
technology and the creation of an
Electronic Static Discharge (ESD)
facility to support electronics and
sensitive assembly. This gives the
company a unique capability to
deliver outsourcing services to
high-profile clients spanning a
range of industrial sectors.
For further information,
visit www.ppcanda.com
or follow @ppcanda on
twitter. More details on
#ukmfgunite can be found
at www.ukmfgunite.co.uk
32 www.manufacturingmanagement.co.uk
/www.ppcanda.com
/www.ukmfgunite.co.uk
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