Fluid Power & compressed air innovations set to shine at Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week

07 March, 2024

Across its two halls, six exhibitions, two summits and eight education theatres Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week 2024 will address the key issues that concern manufacturing businesses currently, irrespective of the market sector they serve. The main themes that the wide-ranging event covers are innovation, the supply chain, sustainability, digital transformation and people and skills.

People and skills

The British Fluid Power Association is a Strategic Partner of Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week and on the key topic of people and skills Chris Butcher, Managing Director of the BFPA recently said: “The skills gap isn’t just a fluid power sector issue, it is impacting the whole manufacturing industry. All sectors are fishing in the same talent pool to secure new people into their business. To help our members start the process of engaging with learning centres, the BFPA has provided a significant amount of information to its membership advising them of local technical colleges, STEM Ambassadors and University Technical Colleges in their area. Over the coming months we will be providing a resource pack to help our members engage with their local education centres. This will enable companies to introduce their business, the products they sell or manufacture, and how young people can have a role within the fluid power industry.”

As well as seeking advice from the BFPA there are presentations focused on the people and skills topic at the Fluid Power & Systems and Air-Tech education theatres. One such presentation is from Colin Guttridge, Principal Manufacturing Engineer at Baker Hughes. Colin will be presenting on the topic of Navigating the People and Skills Landscape in Manufacturing and Engineering on the 5th June. His presentation will cover skill shortages in advanced areas such as automation, robotics, data analytics and digital technologies and the imperative of diversity and inclusion. Colin will also address technological advancements, exploring the necessity for continuous upskilling and reskilling of the workforce in response to rapid technological advancements, including IoT devices, AI systems, and advanced machinery. He will also address the aging workforce discussing the implications and the importance of knowledge transfer and succession planning to ensure continuity and innovation.

Discussed as part of a ‘fireside chat’ on Day 2, Ioana Hera, Head of Improvement, Rolls Royce will also look at the topic in a session entitled Harmonising People, Skills, and Technology: The Path to Manufacturing Innovation and Efficiency. The sessions will address how, in the dynamic landscape of modern manufacturing, the convergence of people, skills, lean improvement methodologies, digital technologies, and efficiency is crucial for sustainable growth and competitiveness. This discussion aims to explore how organisations can effectively bring these elements together to drive innovation, optimise processes, and empower their workforce.