Machine safety expert supports government-backed automation scheme

The two-year programme, which has been awarded £600,000 by the government to fund its activities, runs until 31 March 2013 and aims to encourage the uptake of automation among UK manufacturers. The key objective of the programme is to help UK manufacturers increase their competitive edge and gain from the benefits that automation offers, including increased productivity, reduced waste and greater profitability. Although the programme primarily looks to assist SMEs throughout all manufacturing sectors within the UK, larger companies with limited knowledge and expertise in automation are also eligible. BARA has selected independent automation advisers to support the programme. As part of its longstanding partnership with the PPMA, Laidler will be available to offer advice to companies participating in the programme, regarding machinery safety, on any potential projects and will also present at the Automation Roadshows. Speaking about Laidler and TÜV SÜD Product Service's involvement with the Automating Manufacturing Programme, Paul Laidler, TÜV SÜD Product Service's business director for Machinery Safety, said: "Automation has always played a very important role in the development of modern society and, therefore, it is right that we look to embrace automating technology within the manufacturing sector, especially at a time when UK industry is facing stiffer competition from overseas producers and customer demand for lower-cost production. With this, goes the fundamental requirement for industry to recognise the importance of machinery safety in automation and that is why, as leading machinery safety consultants, Laidler and TÜV SÜD Product Service are proud to give their support to this crucial initiative". For more information and to make an application to the Automating Manufacturing Programme online, visit: www.automatingmanufacturing.co.uk.