Laidler Associates, part of the machinery division of TUV SUD Product Service, is supporting the new Automating Manufacturing Programme managed by the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA), a PPMA Group Association.
The programme, which has recently been awarded £600,000 by the UK government to fund its activities, has commenced with immediate effect until 31 March 2013 and aims to encourage the uptake of automation among UK manufacturers. This should help UK manufacturers increase their competitive edge and gain from the benefits that automation offers, including increased productivity, reduced waste and greater profitability. Although the programme primarily aims to assist SMEs throughout all manufacturing sectors within the UK, larger companies with limited knowledge and expertise in automation are also eligible.
BARA has carefully selected independent automation advisers to support the programme. As part of its longstanding partnership with the PPMA, Laidler Associates will be available to offer advice to companies participating in the programme regarding machinery safety on any potential projects, and will also present at the Automation Roadshows.
Speaking about Laidler and TUV SUD Product Service's involvement with the Automating Manufacturing Programme, Paul Laidler, TUV SUD Product Service's Business Director for Machinery Safety, said: "Automation has always played a very important role in the development of modern society and therefore it is right that we look to embrace automating technology within the manufacturing sector, especially at a time when the UK industry is facing stiffer competition from overseas producers and customer demand for lower-cost production. With this goes the fundamental requirement for industry to recognise the importance of machinery safety in automation and that is why, as leading machinery safety consultants, Laidler and TUV SUD Product Service are proud to give their support to this crucial initiative."
To find out more about the Automating Manufacturing Programme go to www.automatingmanufacturing.co.uk.