4.WHAT? Is UK manufacturing really ignorant to Industry 4.0 or just blinded by buzzwords?

Subcon research carried out earlier this year seemed to reveal that more than half of UK manufacturing and engineering businesses still don’t know what Industry 4.0 is.

When asked if they understood what Industry 4.0 is, more than one third (37%) answered no. A further 19% admitted they were unsure and less than one quarter were definite they had a handle on the concept.

Ignorance and investment plans?

However, the survey also showed that, even without high levels of confidence in their understanding of Industry 4.0, UK manufacturers and engineering businesses have been investing in the technologies associated with the fourth industrial revolution over the last 12 months, regardless; technologies including simulation, automation, robotics and 3D printing are dominating manufacturing investment plans.

•                46% have invested in simulation and CAD modelling technologies

•                36% have invested in automation and robotics

•                28% have invested in 3D printing

•                23% have invested in cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things

And, looking ahead to the next year, respondents plan to invest even more with, for example, over a third keen to spend money on automation and robotics; investment that is being driven by the competitive issues of new product development and improving design and production processes.

•                34% plan on investing in automation and robotics

•                27% plan on investing in simulation and modelling

•                24% plan on investing in 3D printing

“This research is fascinating,” commented Subcon event director Gordon Kirk, “because it begs the question, ‘do UK engineering and manufacturing businesses understand the benefits of Industry 4.0 even though the term is proving tricky to grasp?’”

You can view the full survey results at http://www.subconshow.co.uk/visiting/show-news/2018/03/29/ignorance-4.0-uk-manufacturing-and-engineering-competitiveness-at-risk-from-lack-of-knowledge 

Just three months to go till Subcon 2018

 With just three months to go, industry preparations for Subcon, the defining event in the manufacturing supply chain calendar, are now well underway.  Now in its 42nd year, Subcon returns to the NEC in Birmingham across 5^th - 7^th June 2018. The landmark, three-day event will arm UK manufacturing and engineering professionals with the latest manufacturing and design solutions, alongside cutting-edge developments in advanced engineering technologies.

Of the 400 world-class suppliers who exhibited in 2017, more than a third have already confirmed for this year.  This includes businesses such as Bowman Additive Production and Laser Lines, both of whom provide 3D printing services and technology.  Elsewhere, CAD / CAM specialists Smart Design Services will demonstrate how design software can increase design efficiency and other software providers include ECI, Redthorn and IndySoft.

Other names already singed up include B.S.C (Diecasting), Carlton Die Casting, Cooper Brown Enterprises, Lucy Group, Timsons Engineering, Cogent Technology and measurement and metrology specialists such as Hexagon, Faro and Zeiss. 

The 2018 event will see a range of new pavilions, highlighting deep, last-mile expertise and providing keenly focused, industry specific solutions for metals, transport, materials, electronics, automotive, aerospace and energy sectors.

Also new for 2018, Subcon will be co-located with The Engineer Expo to create the first, truly cross sector industry event with visitors able to enjoy unlimited access to both shows. This will enable engineering and manufacturing visitors alike to see how they can optimise production and process throughout the design and manufacturing cycles.

A six-stream, 36-session conference programme will be held across two theatres.  A key theme of the event will be developing cross-sector collaboration: taking the lessons learnt from successful innovation within industries such as automotive, aerospace and defence, and applying them elsewhere to create true competitive advantage.

Speakers will include leaders from some of the biggest, most established names in UK engineering and manufacturing, alongside innovators from disruptive start-ups. Topics will include the latest Smart Factory developments, real world applications of the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced integrated circuits (ICs), sensing, measurement and process control, materials design, synthesis and processing. Elsewhere, expert panels will explore the potential of sustainable and additive manufacturing as well as showcasing industry case studies in cross sector collaboration and open innovation.

“2018 has already seen an incredibly strong start for UK manufacturing and engineering,” said Gordon Kirk, event director, Subcon.  “UK manufacturing output is expanding at its fastest rate since early 2008. November 2017 saw a seventh consecutive month of growth, so it is no wonder we are seeing such strong interest so early on, especially as this year Subcon will combine with The Engineer Expo to create the first truly cross sector event.”

To register your attendance at Subcon 2018 please visit www.subconshow.co.uk

Subcon partners with Automechanika Birmingham

We're delighted to announce that Subcon, the defining event in the manufacturing supply chain calendar, and Automechanika Birmingham, the UK’s leading exhibition for the automotive aftermarket and vehicle production sector.

The partnership will enable all visitors to benefit from attending both events by registering just once for their visitor badge. The two leading events make for a comprehensive day out for all engineers and are set to take place from 5-7 June 2018 at the NEC in Birmingham.

More than 4,500 visitors from aerospace, automotive, defence, electronics, energy, materials, oil and gas and rail sectors will attend Subcon this year to do business with over 400 exhibitors. The best of British manufacturing will be on display alongside a six-stream, 36-session conference programme, all designed to help UK manufacturers increase their competitive advantage in 2018 and beyond.

Over 500 exhibitors will connect with more than 12,000 visitors at the 2018 Automechanika Birmingham trade exhibition including the likes of Robert Bosch Ltd, Magal & Arlington, TR Fastenings, Schmidt Light Metals, COBA Plastics, Pritex, Keyence, Autocraft Drivetrain Solutions, DIT, Igus, DJJ Engineering and many others. The event will bring a raft of new initiatives, including a facilitated meetings programme to match the needs of visitors with exhibitors, a Motorsport Valley Innovation® feature presented by the MIA, a MIA pavilion and the established SMMT events; Open Forum and Meet the Buyer. The event will also host expert speakers and Tomorrow’s Mobility a feature showcasing connected and autonomous technologies.

Gordon Kirk, Event Director, Subcon said: “This partnership will add tremendous value to Subcon and Automechanika Birmingham visitors alike.  Frictionless entrance to both events will enable visitors to get access to a wider range of best practice ideas, industry-leading content and powerful networking.”

Simon Albert, Event Director, Automechanika Birmingham added: “Both Subcon and Automechanika Birmingham have established reputations in industry as trusted events that deliver huge value for engineers. As organisers, we understand that by making it easier for visitors to access both events by registering only for one will only increase the return on the investment of time that visitors make.”

Visitors can register at www.subconshow.co.uk