Made in Britain champions logical reshoring and automation's future at Festo centenary celebration
British manufacturing has never been more important. This month, Made in Britain took centre stage at a landmark celebration marking the centenary of industrial automation specialist Festo. Joining industry leaders at the company's Innovation Centre in Northampton, the speakers engaged in critical conversations about the sector's competitive future.
The gathering focused on powering forward in challenging times. Representatives from across the diverse UK manufacturing ecosystem came together to tackle the big questions, such as ‘How can automation drive British manufacturing to new heights? What does responsible growth look like? And how do we secure the skills pipeline that will fuel tomorrow's success?’
Made in Britain CEO John Pearce delivered a powerful message alongside distinguished speakers, including Ben Blackledge, CEO of WorldSkills UK, Professor Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, and Dr Sebastian Beck, Festo Board Member for Finance and HR.
Building a manufacturing ecosystem
John's message was clear: British manufacturing is a powerhouse driving national prosperity, and the numbers prove it.
"At Made in Britain, we bear witness to the passion and resilience of the UK manufacturing sector," he declared. "Manufacturing companies carrying the coveted British trademark now contribute around £20 billion to the British economy; great news for customers wanting products that are made well and delivered promptly by people you can trust."
But this isn't just about economic impact. It's about building a manufacturing ecosystem that's fit for the future. John championed the importance of local supply chains and responsible manufacturing practices as essential strategies for navigating global uncertainty.
"Making locally, sourcing locally, is responsible manufacturing. It's common sense in these uncertain times. Responsible manufacturing protects the future, supports growth, and safeguards resources," he explained, reinforcing Made in Britain's commitment to manufacturers who prioritise quality, sustainability and purpose."
Productivity ‘could surge by 22%’
Professor Wilson delivered some eye-opening statistics: Britain currently averages just 119 robots per 10,000 employees - a figure that needs to triple simply to stay competitive. The prize? If the UK matched automation levels in competing countries, he claims that productivity could surge by 22%.
Similarly, WorldSkills UK's Ben Blackledge highlighted a critical disconnect that's holding the sector back. A staggering 63% of manufacturers say young people lack the necessary skills, while 83% of young people feel significant barriers to pursuing manufacturing careers. The solution? Closer collaboration and world-class training standards.
Festo's centenary celebrations provided the perfect backdrop for these vital discussions. For a hundred years, the company has supplied equipment to successful manufacturing across Britain, supporting hundreds of manufacturers with the technology they need to thrive. Their journey from early automation solutions in the 1950s to today's energy-efficient innovations demonstrates exactly the kind of ambition and longevity that drives sector success.
"Festo leads by example," John concluded. "They are successful manufacturers because they have ambition, resilience, longevity, and a strong commitment to the future."
The power of collaboration and shared vision
This celebration reinforced something crucial: Made in Britain sits at the heart of the UK manufacturing community, driving the narrative around how successful businesses contribute to responsible economic growth. As manufacturers across our network shift from resilience to real growth, events like this prove the power of collaboration and shared vision.
The future of British manufacturing isn't just bright, it's being actively built by the partnerships, innovations, and commitments showcased at gatherings like Festo's centenary. With automation evolving rapidly and opportunities expanding globally, the sector is positioned not just to compete, but to lead.
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By Made in Britain 1 day ago | By Made in Britain