Robotics lead the agenda for UK manufacturers as CEOs turn to aggressive growth strategies
UK manufacturers are leading the field in robotics development, with nearly a third (32%) stating that they’ve already invested in robotics compared to just 18% globally. That’s one of the key findings unearthed by KPMG’s 2016 Global Manufacturing Outlook.
“UK manufacturers are showing clear progress towards embracing Industry 4.0 developments and an integrated manufacturing strategy,” outlined Stephen Cooper, partner and head of industrial manufacturing in the UK for KPMG. “They’re evolving their operating models and investing in new digital and industrial Internet of Things technology. Nearly a quarter of UK manufacturing CEOs we spoke to have invested in 3D printing and digital manufacturing technologies, while more than a fifth say they’ve already invested in artificial intelligence and cognitive computing technologies as well.”
The increased focus on technological innovation comes as fierce competition for market share and economic concerns stimulate more aggressive growth strategies from UK manufacturers. More than half (59%) of those manufacturers surveyed by KPMG categorised their growth strategy as ‘aggressive’, while one-in-five said ‘very aggressive’ compared to only 18% of global respondents.