The Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, which is being held at the SEC Glasgow on Thursday, 13th of October 2022, will be the largest event of its kind in Scotland. Incorporating a comprehensive conference programme and an extensive exhibition area displaying the latest technological solutions and business services available, the National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will highlight the key trends and challenges facing the industry, while also offering practical solutions and showcasing the latest innovations, developments in best practice and new technological advances.
The event will serve as a national forum in order to successfully connect key stakeholders across the full manufacturing spectrum in Scotland, including the food and drink, energy, renewables, electronics, aerospace, biopharma, medtech, healthcare, construction, textiles, procurement, and precision engineering sectors.
Scottish Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise Ivan McKee will give the opening address at the Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition. Given the current situation of rampant inflation and escalating energy costs, his remarks will be eagerly anticipated.
The Government of Scotland is committed to continuing to improve productivity and increase investment in the manufacturing industry, as a means of helping to redress regional imbalances, and in order to grow the Scottish economy. This strategy has resulted in initiatives such as the development of the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland (NMIS) and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC), which are helping to drive innovation, establish links with academia and encourage businesses to harness new technologies to enhance efficiency.
The Scottish manufacturing industry and its associated supply chain are facing the ongoing challenge of adapting to the disruptive changes generated by the digital revolution and the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (Industry 4.0). This upheaval is creating both obstacles and opportunities for manufacturers and their supply chain operators, who must evolve accordingly by adopting new technologies and skill sets.
Impressive Line-up of Speakers
Premier Publishing & Events, the organiser of the 2022 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, has assembled an impressive line-up of leaders from manufacturing, academia and Government agencies who will engage in a stimulating blend of key note addresses and debates, while offering listeners advice on enhancing competitiveness.
For instance, Nick Shields, Head of SMAS at Scottish Enterprise, will detail how businesses can harness continuous improvement to address the challenges posed by current economic conditions, during his presentation titled ‘Dealing with the Productivity Challenge’.
Jerome Finlayson, Head of High Value Manufacturing at Scottish Enterprise, will offer an overview of the emerging opportunities in manufacturing in Scotland such as Offshore Wind, Space, Hydrogen, Net Zero in his presentation titled ‘Manufacturing, a significant opportunity for Scotland’.
Chris Johnson, Head of Nokia’s Global Enterprise Business, will assess – ‘Industrial Digital Transformation in Manufacturing – What’s New, and What’s Next?’
‘Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: a practical approach to Industry 4.0’ will be the subject covered by Anastasia Khatuntseva, Digital Connectivity Theme Lead at National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
Her colleague, Stephen Fitzpatrick, Additive Manufacturing and Machining Group Lead at National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, will examine ‘The role additive manufacturing (3D Printing) has to play in Scotland’s sustainable manufacturing future’.
Paul Sheerin, CEO of Scottish Engineering, will present a ‘High level review of where the sector is at, and the challenges faced’.
Managing Director of Emtec Energy Chris Clark’s presentation will look at the future potential for solar and storage in Scotland and the impact this would have on the Scottish manufacturing sector.
Roy Henderson, Director of SP Automation & Robotics, will assess the logical steps for the introduction of automation in his presentation titled ‘Can I Automate? Where do I start?’
Other speakers at the Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition include: Stuart Miller, CEO of the National Robotarium; Jim Roberts, CEO of Baker Hughes; Dr. Karen McDonnell, OHS policy adviser & head – ROSPA; Adrian Gillespie, CEO, Scottish Enterprise; Bronagh Gillespie, Technical Project Manager, i4 Product Design.
Sponsors of the event include: The National Robotarium; SP Automation & Robotics; Scottish Engineering; National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
Combined with the conference programme, an exhibition area will cover all aspects of the manufacturing process and supply chain.
Innovative Approaches to Business
New approaches and technology have been introduced in recent years that have created significant organisational and process improvements for manufacturers. Indeed, the aim of the Conference & Exhibition is to showcase such innovative approaches and technologies.
The event will cover various topical themes such as: Industry 4.0, 3D Printing, Digital Manufacturing, Smart Factory, Lean & Continuous Improvement, Robotics & Automation, Industrial Blockchain, Research & Development, Precision Engineering, QEHS, Supply Chain & Logistics, Sustainability, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, Maintenance & Asset Management, Procurement, Government Policy and Industrial Strategy, Exports, Skills & Training.
Exhibitors at the Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition include: Scottish Engineering, SP Automation, Scottish Enterprise, Beckhoff, SMAS, 3DGBRIRE, Scottish Manufacturing Institute Scotland, CeeD, The National Robotarium and Hexagon.
The layout of the Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is intended to maximise the opportunity for delegates to network and make new contacts. With its comprehensive programme of free workshops and key note speakers combined with exhibitors displaying the latest technological solutions available, the event is intended to provide something of interest and value for all visitors.
Free registration for the 2022 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is available at https://www.manufacturingexposcotland.com/