Leading engineering firm drives automation partnership with Siemens

adi Automation has been chosen alongside seven other firms in the UK & Ireland for its expertise in automation and drives, after being selected as Siemens Food & Beverage Expert Solution Partners. It shares the compliment with just one other engineering firm in England.

The venture coincides with the launch of the engineering firm’s new 5000 sq ft facility, as it increases its operational footprint in the UK, now having in excess of 9,000 sq ft of manufacturing in total.

The partnership further cements Birmingham-based adi Automation’s status as a leading provider in its field, with the programme extending the firm’s service capabilities with technical information, expert assistance and support, as well as training updates, seminars and networking opportunities.

Hugely important role

“We are thrilled to have been chosen as one of two Food and Beverage Expert Solution Partners of Siemens in England,” said adi Automation MD Ian Millington. “Automation and technology play a hugely important role within all manufacturing sectors, so to have the added recognition that Siemens provides clients will be a huge boost moving forward.

“Boosting efficiency, improving worker safety and providing better quality control as well as traceability, are just a few things that automation engineering is able to do. The certification couldn’t come at a better time in this regard, as the industry continues to adapt and adjust from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Listed online via the Siemens Partner Finder, the partnership will see adi Automation work with the multinational firm on a variety of key customer projects. The adi Automation business has a strong focus on food & beverage applications, while working across multiple industries UK and worldwide.

The new certification is a vast programme that operates across many industries and sectors, with the special acknowledgement of being a Food & Beverage Expert Partner.

Technology-led modernisation agenda

“We are delighted to have adi as part of a select group of companies that now have Siemens Food and Beverage Expert solution partner status,” said Keith Thornhill, head of food and beverage, Siemens UK&I. “Having the capability, industry knowledge and access to the complete Siemens portfolio of technology and services will be pivotal in assisting food and drink manufacturing companies in achieving a technology-led modernisation agenda.”

With the food automation market forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%, combined with projections of being valued at $29.4 billion by 2027, Ian Millington is looking to a successful future: “Combined with the launch of the division’s newest UL certified panel manufacturing facility, this partnership proves just how impactful our work really is. Particularly within the last 18 months, it has become apparent just how important technology and automation is to all markets, and now is the time for automation to take its place in achieving a resilient, robust, and responsive workforce.

“Supply chains have been put at great risk during this time, but with increased demands for food, data, medical supplies and responsibility, the need for a ‘no break in the supply chain’ functionality, something adi offers across its 30+ Group service offering, has become somewhat of a necessity.”

Round-the-clock support

Alan Lusty, CEO of adi Group, expressed further support for the business’s evolving capabilities in automation. “After what’s been a difficult year for all industries, I am proud to say that adi Group has come out the other side and has continued to provide round-the-clock support for all our clients.

“This new facility for our automation division, combined with the Siemens certification, acts as a marker to reinforce our service capability across each and every manufacturing sector.”

Situated locally to adi Group headquarters in Kings Norton, adi Automation’s additional facilities will increase the firm’s panel building operation, adding to an overall Group manufacturing capacity of 200,000 sq ft, with 12 regional sites across the UK & Ireland.

And, despite the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the UL certified adi Automation business has maintained staffing numbers, and confirms it is always on the lookout for skilled individuals to join its ranks.