Government review heralds bright manufacturing future

The review, launched last month by business minister Mark Prisk, sets out the coalition's 10-year strategy for Britain's manufacturing sector. It plans to grow manufacturing; to make the UK Europe's leading exporter of high-value goods and related services; and to make a career in manufacturing more attractive.

Food production is singled out as an example of a successful advanced manufacturing sector. Elsewhere, the report identifies a number of new technologies that the government believes are essential for sustained growth, including nanotechnology and nanomaterials in food.

Melanie Leech, director general of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) applauded the announcement of £50M of extra support for the Manufacturing Advisory Service and the launch of a £600,000 two-year programme to boost take-up of robotics and automation.

Both initiatives would improve the competitiveness of smaller firms, she said. Angela Coleshill, FDF director of competitiveness, also welcomed the robotics awareness initiative. "We have quite a challenge with a stable, but ageing workforce. This initiative should encourage youngsters to see the industry as an exciting career."

Mike Wilson, president of the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) welcomed the review's commitment to robotics. Along with the Engineering and Machinery Alliance, BARA helped prepare a report on automation in UK manufacturing earlier last year that led to the robotics awareness programme. "In our study we focused on the food industry. It is the manufacturing sector with the biggest potential for using robotics and automation."

Wilson's views were echoed by Nigel Platt, sales and marketing manager for ABB Robotics UK. "The food industry in the UK is the fastest growing segment for the uptake of robots, albeit from a low base. We have seen 300% growth in the robotics uptake in the food industry over the past two years."