Representatives of UK manufacturing gathered in force earlier this month to mark the centenary of industrial automation specialist Festo. The event, held at Festo GB’s Innovation Centre in Northampton, was an opportunity for industry organisations, customers, suppliers and employees to discuss how automation will shape British manufacturing in the future.

Guest speakers included: John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain; Ben Blackledge, CEO at Worldskills UK; Professor Mike Wilson, chief automation officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre; and Dr Sebastian Beck, Festo board member for finance and HR. Key themes centred on the importance of innovation and collaboration, attracting new talent and skills development, and investment in automation in the context of UK manufacturing.

More information www.festo.com