Festo centenary event shows how automation can drive UK manufacturing

The event, held as part of Festo’s centenary, centred around the key themes of innovation and collaboration, attracting new talent and skills development, and investment in automation in the context of British manufacturing and the global economy.

Guest speakers included John Pearce, CEO, Made in Britain, Ben Blackledge, CEO, Worldskills UK, Professor Mike Wilson, chief automation officer, Manufacturing Technology Centre, and Dr Sebastian Beck, Festo board member for Finance and HR.

Stay competitive, stay accountable

Swapnil Khedekar, head of operations Festo GB, said: “We are celebrating a milestone on a much longer journey. Innovation is the way we stay competitive, sustainability is the way we stay accountable. As a family company, Festo thinks in generations, not in quarters.”

Responsible manufacturing

Pearce expanded on the themes of collaboration, innovation and sustainability, explaining the contribution that British manufacturing makes to the national economy.

“At Made in Britain, we bear witness to the passion and resilience of the UK manufacturing sector. Manufacturing companies carrying the coveted British Trademark now contribute around £20bn to the British economy, which is great news for customers wanting products that are made well and delivered promptly by people you can trust.”