Warning over UK’s poor automation record
1 min read
The UK's failure to embrace the benefits of new technology and 'robotics' has seen it fall behind its European neighbours and contributed to factories closing and jobs being lost, according to Tony Hague (pictured), managing director at PP Electrical Systems.
He said: "In recent years, the UK has slowly but surely been waking up to the fact that 'automation' doesn't have to be a dirty word.
"We can't get away from the fact that we already drive cars and watch TVs that have been assembled by robots. However, has this resulted in mass unemployment in automotive or consumer electronics?
"No, in fact they have grown and evolved, creating thousands of jobs directly and in the supply chains that support them."
He added: "A lack of awareness and investment in automation – in parallel with a similar approach to training – will result in UK companies losing their competitive advantage against international rivals. And we all know where this ends – in factory closures and unemployment."
PP Electrical Systems provides electrical control and automation systems, supplying machinery manufacturers in industry sectors such as machine tool, food and drink, medical, packaging and renewables.
