Driving pneumatic innovation in automation

18 February, 2025

Metal Work Pneumatic UK’s new Milton Keynes facility

In an industry defined by precision and rapid technological advancements, the pneumatics and hydraulics sector recognises the importance of its most vital asset: its people. For Anthony Smith, Managing Director of Metal Work Pneumatic UK, success lies in balancing technical expertise with a culture of collaboration and trust. As the UK subsidiary of the Italian industrial automation manufacturer Metal Work S.p.A., the company has grown into a key player in the pneumatics automation landscape, driven by a forward-thinking ethos and a commitment to customer-centred innovation.

In an open conversation, Smith shared his insights into Metal Work’s evolution, the challenges of an increasingly competitive market, and the strategic investments positioning the company for long-term success.

A strategic investment in people and place

Since its establishment in 1983, Metal Work Pneumatic UK has evolved from a modest importer of pneumatic components into a cornerstone of the Metal Work Group’s global operations. Based in Milton Keynes, the company’s purpose-built facility grew beyond its logistical roots and became a hub for bespoke systems and customer engagement.

Recent investments underscore the importance of this location. Metal Work UK is enhancing its capabilities with the development of a new facility designed to meet rising demand and solidify its role as an innovation hub. At the end of 2023 the company moved to its new premises on Featherstone Road in Milton Keynes: “Our Milton Keynes site is not just a warehouse; it’s the heart of our UK operations,” explained Managing Director Anthony Smith. “This investment will allow us to expand our offering, create more bespoke solutions, and engage with customers in entirely new ways.”

Central to this expansion is a dedicated customer engagement centre, where clients can experience the latest technologies and explore customised solutions firsthand. “Seeing is believing,” Smith said. “By creating an environment where customers can experience our capabilities up close, we’re fostering a deeper level of trust and collaboration.”

This focus on collaboration reflects Metal Work Pneumatic UK’s integral role within the larger Metal Work Group, a global enterprise with roots in Italy and a vision of growth driven by purposeful innovation. Under Smith’s stewardship, the UK operation has flourished, showcasing how strategy and ethos can align to drive meaningful impact.

Recent acquisitions further demonstrate this vision. The addition of AR Vacuum brought niche automation expertise into the fold, extending Metal Work’s capabilities in a way that complements its existing strengths. Similarly, the acquisition of American Cylinders addressed a practical challenge: the need to better serve a US market heavily reliant on imperial measurements.