Automate UK

18/06/2026

Automation is rapidly transforming the UK packaging sector.

With the market already exceeding £2 billion in 2024 and projected to reach £3.7 billion by 2033, more manufacturers are investing in automation to boost efficiency, tackle labour shortages and meet sustainability goals.

Discover the key drivers behind this growth and the innovations shaping the future of packaging.

Read the full blog: https://www.automate-uk.com/news-publications/the-rise-of-packaging-automation-in-the-uk-what-manufacturers-need-to-know/

16/06/2026

Entries are now open to the Automate UK Awards 2026, taking place on Wednesday 23 September at the Vox. Whether you’re delivering excellence, advancing technology or shaping the future of manufacturing, the awards are your chance to stand out. Entry is completely free with ten categories to choose from. Submit your entry by 17:00 on Friday 7 August. Good luck.

Find out more at https://www.ppmashow.co.uk/automate-uk-awards-entry-2026

15/06/2026

June brings increased production demand across UK food manufacturing, particularly for seasonal products like soft fruit and summer foods.

Automation across processing and packaging operations can help manufacturers respond efficiently while maintaining quality and productivity.

If you’re looking to improve production performance, explore the Automate UK Product Finder to discover automation technologies designed for manufacturing. https://www.automate-uk.com/product-finder/

15/06/2026

🎉 Welcome Steve Banton to Automate UK

We are delighted to welcome Steve Banton to Automate UK as our new Membership Manager.

Steve joins us with more than 15 years of experience in robotics and automation and a deep understanding of the needs of our member community. Having held senior roles with ABB Robotics and Interroll, both valued Automate UK members, as well as serving on the boards of BARA and Automate UK, Steve brings a unique perspective gained from working both within and alongside member organisations.

In his new role, Steve will work closely with members to help them maximise the value of their Automate UK membership, ensuring they are fully aware of and able to benefit from the opportunities, services and support available. He will also play a key role in strengthening member relationships, gathering feedback to help shape and improve our membership offering, and supporting the continued growth of our end-user and education communities.

On joining Automate UK, Steve said:

"I'm excited to step into this role as it will give me the opportunity to help members realise the full potential of the features and benefits of being a member of Automate UK. This role allows me to be truly agnostic to all brands, so I can go out there and really give value to each and every member. I hope they can give me the feedback that helps us improve the membership experience for all."

Dan Thombs, CEO, added:

"I'm delighted to welcome Steve to Automate UK. Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and Steve's role is dedicated to understanding their needs and helping them maximise the benefits of being part of Automate UK."

We are excited to have Steve on board and look forward to the positive impact he will make for our members and the wider automation community.

12/06/2026

ProPak Asia brings together industry leaders from around the world, creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation and business growth across the processing and packaging sectors.

We're proud to be hosting the Automate UK Pavilion, led by our COO, Scott McKenna, and showcasing the very best of UK manufacturing, automation and technology solutions on the global stage.

This year is made even more special as Scott is spending his birthday at one of the industry's biggest events, championing UK innovation and supporting the fantastic businesses exhibiting with us in Bangkok.

If you're attending this week, come and visit us at Stand C2 U65 and connect with the outstanding UK companies exhibiting throughout the show.

📍 Stand C2 U65 | IMPACT Challenger Halls 1 to 3, Bangkok
📅 10 to 13 June 2026

Happy Birthday, Scott 🎉

12/06/2026

Find robotics and vision systems tailored to your needs. Compare leading suppliers and the latest technology. Save time and grow your supplier network. You can do all this and more with our free Product Finder online directory. From industrial robots and collaborative arms to advanced vision systems, discover the tools that bring precision, speed, and intelligence to your production line.

Find out more at: https://www.automate-uk.com/product-finder/

11/06/2026

Do you produce equipment for hazardous areas?

Our ATEX Training: Hazardous Areas Overview will help you understand explosive atmospheres, identify risks, and apply effective control measures.

📅 16 September 2026
🕘 09:00-13:00 (UK)
💻 Online

Book your place: https://www.automate-uk.com/what-we-do/training/training-courses/atex-training-hazardous-areas-overview-16092026/

08/06/2026

The PPMA Show is just one of the ways our members bring their expertise to life.

Here, Shemesh Automation demonstrates the ALANTRA P+ system, reflecting the innovation and engineering excellence that exists across our network.

Through the association, we connect businesses, encourage collaboration, and support the people driving the industry forward.

Proud to represent a community built on shared expertise. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNr7BMBJFMI

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/06/2026

Unlocking Automation’s Next Chapter: Insights from Nigel Dawbarn at the PPMA Conference 2026

We were delighted to welcome Nigel from Bayer Electronics, who shared his perspective on the future of industrial automation.

Nigel highlighted the importance of helping customers clearly understand the value of new technologies, while also building trust through cybersecurity, strong partnerships, contracts and collaboration.

His insights reinforced a key message: innovation is only successful when it is understood, trusted and adopted.

Who else is rethinking how we communicate value in automation?

04/06/2026

Today we welcomed our Board of Directors for a productive meeting, with valuable discussions focused on the future of our industry and the continued growth of Automate UK.

A sincere thank you to our Directors for their time, expertise and ongoing support.

And for those with a keen eye, you may notice our surroundings look a little different👀