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Industry 4.0 Summit and Factories of the Future Expo

The fourth industrial revolution roars to life this week in Manchester as manufacturers converge at the Industry 4.0 Summit and Factories of the Future Expo on 28 February and 1 March.

Senior speakers at the Summit include Professor Juergen Maier (Chief Executive, Siemens plc), Paul Homan (Chief Technology Officer - Industrial, IBM), and Ben Salama (Managing Director X.O, Accenture), as well as Business Growth Hub’s Manufacturing Services Manager, Anne Campion.

Anne Campion, who sits on the panel of Day Two’s open debate, ‘What Does the Future Look Like From Here?’, said, “Whichever terms you use to speak about it – Industry 4.0, industrial digitalisation, the 4th Industrial Revolution – the point is the same: digital technologies are transforming the manufacturing sector.

“At Business Growth Hub and The Growth Company we want to help manufacturers across the North West to tackle the challenges with confidence and to grasp the opportunities ahead.

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“The scope of industrial digitalisation is vast, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Looking at the advances that multi-national manufacturing firms have adopted may in fact be a hindrance because it’s a world away from what is relevant to a micro-manufacturer with a factory, three employees and a small product range.

“Industrial digitalisation doesn’t have to mean robots and automation, it could mean bringing in an ERP or MRP system to streamline orders, using 3D printers to prototype or using sensors to achieve total predictive maintenance.”

“I’d encourage any small and medium-sized manufacturer to contact us no matter where you are on your digital journey.”

Visitors to the free-to-attend Factories of the Future Expo can speak with manufacturing and innovation advisors from the Business Growth Hub at The Growth Company stand. Also on the stand are experts from GC Education & Skills, GC International Trade, The Manufacturing Institute and MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency.

Gary Gilmour, Industry 4.0 Event Director said, “The acceptance and implementation of Industry 4.0 has come a long way since we launched the event two years ago, yet still less than half of manufacturers consider themselves ready for it.

“We have been inspired by the continued level of interest and involvement from companies in this sector and are delighted to hold the second annual Industry 4.0 summit in Manchester, the home of the world’s first industrial city.”

To find out more about the event, visit www.industry40summit.com

Follow the conversation on Twitter at @Industry_4 and #FOTF2018

Each of our specialist Manufacturing Advisors has at least a decade’s experience in industry or supporting growth in the sector. Dependent upon your subsector and particular needs, you’ll be matched with the most appropriate advisor, who’ll support you in increasing your capability to adopt new technologies and identifying the most effective routes to increased productivity.

Go to our Manufacturing pages for help to make your business better.

The Growth Company can also help your business to meet the skills challenges presented by a rapidly changing world.

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