THE PPMA (Processing & Packaging Machinery Association) Group of Associations has announced it is re-branding and has changed its name to AutomateUK to better represent the needs of its membership and end user customers.
The move was announced at the annual chairman’s lunch and follows the publication of a Manifesto for Automation earlier in the year. This set out the organisation’s commitment to be the ‘facilitators for change’ and the role that automation has to play in the UK manufacturing sector’s success.
The PPMA was founded in 1987 and was joined by BARA (British Automation and Robot Association) and UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA) in 2009 which broadened the range of automation equipment and services represented. As the association matures, the leadership team feels the time is right for the overall offer to members, and their customers, to benefit from a widening of services.
The three very associations – the PPMA, BARA and UKIVA – will continue to operate, but going forward they will come under the AutomateUK umbrella.
“This is way more than just a name change,” said AutomateUK’s CEO Peter Williamson. “It is a fundamental shift in how our three trade associations can impact the manufacturing arena in a positive and meaningful way. By driving industry progress, supporting growth of our members and helping users make more informed technology decisions, we are the go-to partner to help members and their clients thrive. And also increase productivity through investments in automation, in the increasingly competitive marketplace.”
The trade body said the main purpose of the modernised offering is to drive the progress and adoption of automation technologies; identify future talent and help upskill existing employees to minimise impact of skills and labour shortages; support the growth of member companies; and help members and end users to make better technology decisions.
Peter Williamson added, “We plan to take an active part in tackling the issues facing all manufacturers today, such as the workforce challenge including skills shortages and recruitment difficulties. We will also aim to empower SMEs through clear scaling up strategies and we want to bust the misconception that robots take jobs.”
AutomateUK revealed it will be offering a raft of support across the ‘pinch points’ in manufacturing including grants to help reduce skills shortages, promoting career progression through its charitable organisation PPMA BEST, along with technical support and expertise. Key to this will be the recruitment of a chief technical officer.
The body also aims to become a recognised lobbying organisation to put forward industry issues to government and represent its members best interests. “There is a clear role for government to play in the drive to a more automated manufacturing sector in the UK,” explained Williamson. “We estimate that our members represent a £7 billion turnover, which is why our sector should be heard in this critical area.”
The trade body wants an industrial strategy with automation at its heart, a government-backed scheme to support finance for automation, and a tax system to provide incentives for companies investing in automation. It also believes the apprenticeship levy should be reviewed, STEM should be promoted more in schools, and that there should be more support for exporters.
AutomateUK’s chairman James Causebrook believes the re-branded trade body will succeed because of the PPMA, BARA and UKIVA legacy that has been built up over many years.
“We have years of experience and industry know how that provides the credibility in everything we do,” he stated. “Knowledge and technical expertise are our key traits which gives us access to, and influence in the right circles. This is why I believe our focus on pushing the industry forward will reward our members, and their customers in equal measure.”
