Siemens Industry appoints food and beverage sector lead

Keith began his career completing a 5-year apprenticeship with British Rail Engineering in Crewe and entered the automation industry in 1986 as an internal sales engineer with Electro Craft Ltd.

Keith Thornhill comments: "Siemens Industry has a unique understanding of the food and beverage markets having worked with leading brands in the sector for many years. I look forward to working with manufacturers across the UK helping them to boost productivity and encourage greater investment in technology. It's an incredibly exciting market to be part of - with real potential for growth and investment as the recovery gathers momentum."

Keith has mainly focused on encouraging innovation for UK packaging machinery manufacturers. Recently he has also specialised in operational efficiency and production flexibility benefits delivered by automation technology to the consumer packaged goods market.

Brian Holliday, Divisional Director, Siemens Industry Automation, says: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Keith to this key role. He will be working with manufacturers to enhance operational efficiencies, create flexible production platforms whilst tackling energy and safety challenges. He will be playing a vital role in helping this important area of UK manufacturing become more internationally competitive - and therefore a more attractive place to invest."

To learn more about automation and drive technologies, in the food and beverages sector, please visit www.industry.siemens.co.uk.