MiniTec: It’s good to talk…. about the engineering industry

During October’s Engineering Design Show, Nicole Piesse Turner, of marketing & PR agency company Chatty Hatter, recorded some roving live chats with leading industry people as part of the ‘That Engineering Chat’ podcast series.

Following on from the success of the conversations at the event, she recorded a thought-provoking chat with Gary Livingstone of MiniTec where they discussed the restructuring of engineering companies for a post-pandemic world.

With business interests that span electro-mechanical automation, modular aluminium system manufacture, and acoustic and ultrasound measurement, Livingstone feels he is well placed to see a broader range of developments than most.

Two-year reunion

He and Piesse Turner hadn’t seen each other in person for two years, so the chat was somewhat of a reunion, the two having worked together over many years, and the pandemic was the obvious first discussion point.

Livingstone explained how the pandemic had presented challenges, but that “every challenge is another opportunity”. The conversation covered how companies need to restructure for the post-pandemic world and what this might mean for productivity, increased automation and the challenges of a shrinking labour pool.

They also covered artificial intelligence – with more data being collected and more tasks being performed from home. He argues that manufacturing and automation have been forced to adapt, including his own businesses.

Ever the optimist, Livingstone is looking at new avenues of business, such as environmental and sustainability projects. And, despite feeling like he has lost a year, he continues to ensure work morale is high, with continued investment in plant and staff training.

Better, not bigger

“It’s not about getting bigger; it’s about getting better,” he explains. “There will need to be some rethinking by companies and industry in general, including how robotics and automation can be integrated, and how this can be a positive change that frees up time for other skillsets.”

Livingstone and Piesse Turner went on to discuss how changes in manufacturing will affect the supply chain. Will companies want one big factory or lots of smaller ones? How will travel restrictions and rising container costs be met?

“Business is simple. People make it complicated,” Livingstone adds.

The podcast is now available, with some practical advice, insightful ideas and sound managerial advice on the international engineering industry. Click here.