SPEAKERS at the launch of Europe’s first robotics and automation centre have urged for investment into the technology to protect the future of the UK’s food and beverage industry.
The Centre for Robotics & Automation (CenFRA) was launched with a full audience of food professionals, journalists and special guests.
In his address, the organisation’s chairman, Michael Taylor said the facility would aim to provide long term solutions so the UK industry could increase productivity and become more competitive.
Taylor, who is also Operations Director for Fosters Bakery, said the entity’s board was made up of professionals from the sector and was focused on providing help and guidance to the industry.
Simon Hill, the Executive Director of Business for Yorkshire Forward, undertook the formal opening. He said automation was the key to protecting jobs within the sector as it allows increased investment into innovation and opens up new markets.
Mike Wilson, Chairman of the British Automation and Robotics Association, closed the event by saying the number of robots installed in the UK per 10,000 manufacturing industry workers was dwarfed by other European countries. The UK has just 44 robots, while Germany has 171, France 84 and Spain 89.
He said the food and beverage industry would continue to decline unless there was serious investment into the technology.
Add a comment