AR Power Secures Landmark Solar Contract with Hozelock UK

AR Power is proud to announce that they have been appointed to deliver a major 1.6MW rooftop solar PV installation for Hozelock at their manufacturing facility in Birmingham.

The project represents another significant milestone for the Washington-based business as they continue to support leading UK manufacturers in reducing energy costs, improving operational resilience and accelerating their sustainability ambitions through large-scale renewable energy solutions. Once completed, the rooftop solar installation will generate a substantial proportion of the site’s daytime electricity demand directly from renewable energy. This will enable Hozelock to significantly reduce reliance on grid electricity, lower long-term operational costs and achieve meaningful carbon reductions across its manufacturing operations.

Solar Power for Manufacturing

The appointment reflects growing demand from the UK manufacturing sector for high-quality, commercially focused solar energy solutions that deliver both environmental and financial benefits. With increasing energy market volatility and continued pressure on businesses to decarbonise, large-scale rooftop solar projects are becoming an essential part of long-term operational strategy for industrial organisations. For AR Power, the Hozelock contract is another example of the company’s ability to deliver technically complex commercial solar installations for nationally recognised brands operating within demanding live environments.

Projects of this scale require extensive technical expertise and meticulous planning from the earliest stages of development. The scheme involves detailed system design, structural coordination, grid compliance management and comprehensive delivery planning to ensure the installation can be completed safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to day-to-day manufacturing operations. AR Power’s in-house commercial, technical and operational teams will work closely alongside Hozelock stakeholders throughout every phase of the project to ensure seamless coordination and delivery.

Decarbonisation

Chris Balmer, Managing Director at AR Power, welcomed the contract award and highlighted the importance of collaboration on projects of this scale. “This is a fantastic project for both AR Power and Hozelock UK. We are incredibly proud to have been selected to deliver a solar installation of this size and significance for such a well-known and respected manufacturing brand. The manufacturing sector is facing increasing pressure around energy costs and sustainability targets and projects like this demonstrate how renewable energy can play a major role in supporting long-term operational resilience and carbon reduction.

Our team has extensive experience delivering large-scale commercial solar projects and we’re looking forward to working closely with Hozelock to ensure the successful delivery of the scheme. The project also reinforces AR Power’s continued growth within the commercial energy sector. Over recent years, the business has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality solar installations across manufacturing, logistics, education, retail and commercial property environments.

The Hozelock installation is expected to make a substantial contribution towards the company’s sustainability objectives while supporting wider efforts to decarbonise UK industry and improve energy independence across the manufacturing sector.

AR Power would like to thank everyone involved in the project to date and looks forward to working in partnership with Hozelock to deliver another flagship commercial solar installation for the UK manufacturing sector.

Image: Left, Stephen Armstrong, Head of Commercial.  Right, Chris Balmer, Managing Director.

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Express Engineering Group, a global leader in the manufacture, assembly, and testing of precision-engineered solutions, has been awarded the UK’s most prestigious business accolade: The King’s Award for Enterprise.
The group, which comprises Express Engineering in Gateshead and QA Weld Tech in Middlesbrough, has been recognised in the International Trade category for ‘Outstanding Short-Term Growth’.

Only 185 organisations across the UK have received a King’s Award for Enterprise in 2026. They are the most prestigious official accolades for UK businesses, granted annually to recognise and encourage outstanding
achievements in the British private sector across four specific categories: International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.

This honour follows a period of record-breaking performance in which Express grew its overseas sales by more than 91% between 2022 and 2024, generating £78 million in export sales over that period. This achievement solidifies the group’s status as one of the North East’s largest and most successful exporters, delivering safety-critical components to major offshore energy and infrastructure projects across the globe.

Founded in 1973 by the late Keith Thompson MBE, Express Engineering Group has evolved over five decades from a local workshop into a £60 million turnover global engineering powerhouse employing approximately 330 highly skilled people across seven advanced manufacturing facilities in Gateshead and Middlesbrough.

The group’s success is built upon its unique capability as a full turnkey supplier, managing the entire production lifecycle of safety-critical products – from initial material sourcing and world-class precision machining to specialist welding, cladding, and rigorous assembly and testing. Operating as a vital Tier 1 partner to global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), the group counts industry leaders, including TechnipFMC, OneSubsea, Aker Solutions, and Baker Hughes, among its key customers.

The group’s reach extends far beyond its regional roots. Exporting now represents 75% of annual turnover, with precision-engineered components deployed in the world’s most hostile environments, from the crushing pressures of the deep sea to the stringent safety requirements of the power generation, nuclear, and defence sectors. From its bases in Gateshead and Middlesbrough, the group services major offshore projects in the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, Africa, Malaysia, and Australasia.

Reflecting on the achievement, Chris Thompson, Chairman of Express Engineering Group, said: “I have dedicated more than 50 years to this business, and growing the company my father founded into a world-leading exporter has been an immense privilege. This King’s Award is a testament to our people, from those team members who have been with us for decades to the talented apprentices who are the future of our trade. Our growth has always been built on a foundation of technical expertise and a global reputation for excellence. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I know that the business is in a stronger position than ever to continue flying the flag for North East engineering on the world stage.”

The King’s Award follows a decade of strategic investment designed to strengthen the group’s technical capability, manufacturing capacity and international reach. In October 2013, Express Engineering Group secured investment from LDC, the leading private equity investor, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, to support its international expansion strategy, drive growth in new markets and increase capacity.

LDC and Chris Thompson provided follow-on investment in 2017 and 2019 to further support the growth of the business. This included the opening of a £3.5 million, 48,000 sq. ft purpose-built International Assembly and Test
Centre in Gateshead in 2020, enhancing response times, operational productivity and support for its global subsea customer base.

Further growth followed in 2023 with the acquisition of Middlesbrough-based QA Weld Tech, which expanded the group’s service offering, added specialist welding and fabrication capability, and opened access to new products and markets.

In October 2025, QA Weld Tech expanded into a new dockside facility in Middlesbrough to support continued demand for larger-scale global projects. The site provides an expanded manufacturing footprint, enabling the team to handle larger, more complex fabrications and heavy assemblies.

While the group’s products are deployed worldwide, its operations remain deeply rooted in the North East. Express Engineering Group continues to work closely with a network of regional suppliers and remains committed to developing future engineering talent through its apprenticeship programme, helping train the next generation of machinists, welders and engineers.

Craig Swinhoe, CEO of Express Engineering Group, added: “Express Engineering and QA Weld Tech are remarkable businesses with deep roots in this region and a hard-earned reputation for precision and reliability. This award is a fantastic recognition of our ability to service the most demanding global markets from our bases in Gateshead and Middlesbrough.”

“We have an incredible team here, and we have worked hard to foster a culture of engagement, making the group a great place to work where people feel valued and proud to contribute. We are immensely proud of our role in the global supply chain and the local partnerships that make our success possible. As we look ahead, we will continue to strengthen the business and attract new talent to help us grow and increase our service offering, ensuring we remain a trusted Tier 1 partner capable of delivering the advanced technical solutions and exacting safety standards our customers rely on across the subsea, power generation, defence, and nuclear sectors.”
For more information, visit www.express-engineering.co.uk

Express Engineering Website: www.express-engineering.co.uk

Email: sales@express-engineering.co.uk

LinkedIn: Express Engineering Group Head Office: Kingsway, Team Valley, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE11 0EG

QA Weld Tech Website: www.qaweldtech.com

Email: enquiries@qaweldtech.com

LinkedIn: QA Weld Tech Office: 2a Bowes Road, Riverside Park Industrial Estate, Middlesbrough, TS2 1LU

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NorthEdge has supported Latus Group to acquire Cirrus Environmental Solutions Limited (Cirrus), a North East-based occupational hygiene specialist, strengthening Latus’ national footprint and establishing the Group as one of the UK’s leading occupational hygiene providers.

Cirrus has deep technical expertise within key occupational hygiene services, including air quality and exposure monitoring; occupational noise surveys; Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Testing; and Whole Body and Hand Arm Vibration monitoring. They support clients across a wide range of sectors to comply with health and safety and environmental legislation, regulations, site permits and general good practice.

Led by co-founders Rachel Bowman and Stuart Hovvels, Cirrus brings a team of highly qualified and experienced Occupational Hygienists, several of whom hold the Certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene and the Certificate of Operational Competence in Control. Additionally, Rachel is a Regional Co-ordinator for the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) – the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection.

The acquisition further supports Latus Group’s rapidly growing Occupational Hygiene division, following the recent acquisition of Euro Environmental Limited in February 2026. Together, the acquisitions firmly establish Latus as the leading national-scale provider of end-to-end workplace compliance solutions, underpinned by market-leading technologies, focused on keeping employees fit and healthy in work.

Cirrus’ established office in the North East will become Latus’ Northern Hub, from which it will provide Occupational Hygiene and extended Occupational Health services into the northern regions and Scotland, giving the Group broader national coverage.

Jack Latus, CEO of Latus, said: “The acquisition of Cirrus represents Latus’ fifth acquisition since NorthEdge’s initial investment in July 2024. The deal demonstrates the growth and stability of the Latus platform; and underscores our commitment to increasing the quality and breadth of our services for our clients.

“Occupational hygiene remains a key strategic growth area for us. As well as providing us with additional services and geographic coverage, the acquisition of Cirrus also sees us bring market-leading occupational hygiene talent into the Group – with a highly skilled team led by Rachel and Stuart. I look forward to working with them as we deliver on our collective mission of modernising workplace healthcare and improving employee health outcomes across the UK.”

Phil Frame, Partner at NorthEdge, said: “The acquisition of Cirrus represents continued momentum across the Latus Group, following their recent acquisition of Euro Environmental. The rapid growth and scale of Latus’ occupational hygiene division demonstrates the increasing demand for workplace health solutions across the UK; and this deal is another strong example of the business delivering on its strategy to scale its platform and provide end-to-end workplace healthcare services.”

NorthEdge and Latus were advised by Muckle (Legal), Cortus (FDD), BHP (Tax DD) and LWE Commercial (Property). The transaction was supported with funding from Santander.

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Washington-based renewable energy company, AR Power, has announced key changes to its senior management team as it positions itself for continued growth and expansion across the UK commercial solar sector.

From 1 May, Luke Lubo will be promoted to Technical Director, having previously served as Technical Manager. Chris Balmer will transition from Operations Director into the role of Managing Director, while current Technical Director Mark Dunville will step back from day-to-day responsibilities, he will, however, remain closely involved with the business in a board advisory capacity, offering ongoing strategic insight and industry expertise.

The leadership changes come at a pivotal time for the company, which specialises in the design and installation of commercial solar PV systems across the UK. AR Power has recently secured a number of significant contracts, reflecting growing demand from businesses seeking to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and stabilise long-term operating costs.

Commenting on the developments, Managing Director Chris Balmer said, “After a strong period of contract success, we are proud to be strengthening our management team. These changes are a clear reflection of our ambition and our continued focus on sustainable growth.”

In the current economic climate, many businesses are looking to stabilise their energy costs, which has led to increased interest in solar power solutions. With our ability to deliver a fully integrated in-house turnkey service focused on safety, quality and delivering customer excellence, we are in a strong position to continue driving the business forward.

We’re excited to build on our momentum and continue supporting clients across the UK in their transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy.”

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With just over a week to go, the team at Just Williams is gearing up for an incredible endurance challenge – the Everest Expedition: Roseberry Topping Challenge 2026 – all in support of their charity partner, Red Balloons.

Taking place on 24 April 2026, the challenge – organised by Just Williams – will see 20 teams collectively attempt to complete the equivalent height of Mount Everest by tackling multiple ascents of Roseberry Topping. Among them, the JW team will be pushing themselves to the limit to help raise vital funds for a cause close to their hearts.

Red Balloons is a lived experience charity – everyone involved has lived experience of poor mental health which they use to support others. Their peer support services are free and open to anyone who is over 18 and struggling with their mental health. Through this challenge, Just Williams is proud to be raising awareness and much-needed funding to support this important work.

With the event fast approaching, the team is calling on its network of clients, partners and organisations to get behind them and show their support. Every donation, big or small, will make a real difference and help motivate the team as they take on this demanding physical challenge.

With two training sessions in the run-up to the big day, the team has put in the miles to prepare for the climbs ahead. The countdown is now on for what promises to be a tough but rewarding day.

If you would like to support the Just Williams team and contribute to their fundraising efforts for Red Balloons, donations can be made here ➡️ https://givestar.io/gs/just-williams-everest-challenge-for-red-balloons

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Meet the Team and the Cobots Heading to MACH 2026

There is a big difference between buying a collaborative robot from a brochure and building an automated system with a partner who knows your shop floor.  At Cobots Online, we’ve always believed that while the technology is impressive, it’s the people behind it that makes automation work for UK manufacturers.

MACH 2026 is the biggest event in the calendar, and we aren’t sending sales teams – we’re bringing the core of our business to the NEC this April. As a family-led team with over 30 years of manufacturing experience and automation knowledge, we believe the best solutions come from a conversation, not just a catalog.

Whether you’re looking to solve labour shortages, want to talk ROI, or understand how to manage your first cobot installation, the people who make it happen will be standing right there next to the machines. At MACH 2026, Cobots Online are there to help.

The Faces Behind Cobots Online

When you visit the Cobots Online team at Stand 20-280, you won’t find a salesperson. You’ll find our engineers and automation specialists who live and breathe shopfloor productivity.

Tony Thompson, Managing Director: With decades of industry experience. Tony is the man to talk to about the big picture – how automation scales your business and secures your competitive edge in the UK market.

Matthew Thompson, Commercial Director: Matthew specialises in the practicalities of making automation fit your budget and your goals. If you’re wondering about lead times or the business case for a specific cell, he’s your first port of call.

Daniel Thompson, Production Engineer: Dan is our technical lead and will be on hand to demonstrate cobot integration, showing you exactly how to program cells to handle complex parts.

Libby Smith, Project Experience Coordinator: Libby will be on the stand to explain the Cobots Online journey – from your first site audit to post-installation support – ensuring your experience is seamless from start to finish.

We know that for many UK manufacturers, the jump to automation can feel risky. That’s why we’re looking forward to being there in person: to listen to your challenges, talk through ROI, and show you exactly how collaborative robots integrate into a real-world workspace. No gatekeeping, no corporate jargon, just honest advice from one British manufacturer to another.

On Display at MACH 2026

We aren’t just bringing a static display, we’re bringing a fully functioning automation ecosystem to show you how different technologies work together.

The Powerhouse: Brother SPEEDIO U500Xd2-5AX

The centerpiece of our stand is the Brother SPEEDIO U500Xd2-5AX. This high-speed, 5-axis vertical machining centre is built for complex, multi-face parts. We’ve paired it with our CoboTend mobile cobot solution to demonstrate lights out manufacturing in real-time. At MACH, watch how the cobot manages loading and unloading with sub-millimeter precision, allowing the Brother machine to do what it does best: manufacture complex parts.

Doubling Down on Productivity: A Second CoboTend

Because machine tending is the number one request we receive from SMEs, we’re bringing a second CoboTend unit! This allows you to get hands-on with the interface. You’ll see how easy it is to reprogram for different part sizes, proving that you don’t need a degree in robotics to run our automated cells.

The Precision Welder: CoboWeld

Welding is a craft, but the repetitive jobs can be a drain on your skilled workers. Our CoboWeld setup will be live on-site, demonstrating consistent, high-quality circular and linear welds. It’s designed to work safely alongside your team, taking the strain off your best welders so they can focus on complex fabrications.

Gold Standard Collaboration: UR5e & UR10e

We will have UR5e and UR10e collaborative arms from Universal Robots on the stand. The UR5e is a versatile all-rounder, perfect for medium duty tasks and tight spaces. Featuring a 12.5kg payload and 1300mm reach, the UR10e is the one to watch for palletising or larger reach applications.

Logistics on the Move: MiR250

Automation isn’t just about what happens at the machine; it’s about how parts move between them. The MiR250 is a fast, agile autonomous mobile robot that navigates around people and obstacles with ease. Watch is zip around our stand, showing how you can automate your internal logistics without ever needing to change your floor layout.

Visit Cobots Online at MACH 2026

MACH is the perfect time to move from thinking about automation to acting on it and integrating solutions. We know that for many manufacturers, the leap into robotics can feel like a one-way street. Cobots Online are at MACH to show you that with the right team behind you, it’s actually a shortcut to growth.

The coffee is on us, and the advice is free. Visit Stand 20-280 to talk about how to get your production line moving fast, your operations to be safer, and your business to become more profitable.

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Dale Power Solutions has opened a new, expanded site in St Albans, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of their commercial Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) division.

Following sustained division success and increasing demand across key sectors, their commercial UPS operations are now based at the new St Albans location. The site, which is substantially larger than their previous premises on the same estate, has been developed to support both current operations and future growth across the South of England.

A Purpose-Built Hub for Commercial UPS

The new St Albans base has been designed as a dedicated product and service hub for their commercial UPS division. It features a purpose-built showroom, allowing customers and partners to view equipment and engage in product demonstrations, alongside modern meeting and collaboration spaces.

In addition to supporting the commercial UPS team, the site will also be used by Dale’s nationwide service division of 85+ engineers, enabling closer collaboration between engineering, service, and customer-facing teams. This integrated approach strengthens their ability to deliver responsive, high-quality support throughout a full power solution lifecycle, from specification and installation through to ongoing maintenance and service.

Supporting Critical Sectors with Resilient Power Solutions

The expansion reflects the expertise and dedication of their commercial UPS team, who continue to support a wide range of critical sectors, including water infrastructure and commercial office environments.

For a recent water sector project, the team designed a solution to align with increasingly stringent environmental and compliance requirements associated with AMP8. The installation was complicated by limited access to a newly constructed electrical room, which required scissor lifts to raise the UPS systems through a floor opening.

In commercial office environments, Dale’s UPS solutions play a vital role in protecting business-critical systems. This includes supporting emergency lighting, lifts, motors, and other essential services where power continuity is crucial for safety, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance.

As Dale Power Solutions continues to expand its footprint, the new St Albans base establishes a strategic Southern hub that strengthens their presence across the South of England. With enhanced facilities, closer collaboration between divisions, and capacity for future growth, they are well positioned to support increasing demand for resilient power solutions in critical sectors.

You can arrange to view the new facility by contacting their team.

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NEPS has entered a new phase of strategic growth as it closes the doors on its original warehouse at Unit 8, Octavian Way, Team Valley Trading Estate, and moves into a significantly larger facility at Unit 1.

What began as a sizeable space four years ago has quickly been outgrown, driven by rising demand from the automotive, engineering and manufacturing sectors for reliable storage, fulfilment and time-critical logistics.

The new facility is more than three times the size of the previous site to support NEPS’ expanding role within these high-performance industries. With manufacturers operating to strict production schedules, engineering firms dependent on precision supply chains, and automotive customers requiring rapid parts and component deliveries, the need for a larger, more capable hub became essential.

Founded in 2014 and backed by over three decades of sector expertise, NEPS has built a strong reputation for delivering dependable, punctual and cost-effective solutions for business-critical consignments. Today, the company serves a growing portfolio of automotive OEMs, tiered suppliers, engineering firms and manufacturers who rely on fast response, accuracy and full supply-chain visibility.

To support this increasing demand, NEPS has significantly expanded its storage and fulfilment capabilities. The new warehouse offers enhanced capacity, a higher racking footprint and secure 24-hour monitored systems, enabling customers to streamline operations, hold strategic stock and scale effectively as production volumes increase.

This infrastructure is reinforced by NEPS’ fleet of more than 50 vehicles from small vans to HGVs dedicated to rapid response and time-critical movements across the UK. Strategically located on Team Valley, Gateshead, the facility provides immediate access to the A1 and A19 corridors, supporting just-in-time deliveries and urgent component movements around the clock.

NEPS extends its thanks to Keith Stewart and Tobias Morrison from Naylors Gavin Black, and John Morgan from Hay & Kilner – for their invaluable support in making the new facility a reality.

Dan Gray, Founder and Managing Director at NEPS Logistics, commented: “I always said I didn’t want to get any bigger, but sometimes growth has a mind of its own.

“We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come with an amazing team who go from strength to strength every single day, and a big thank you to our loyal customers who make it all possible.”

This expansion marks the start of an exciting new chapter for NEPS as the company continues to grow and strengthen its position in the logistics sector.

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Client: Curl Moducons
Location: Washington, North East England
Sector: Steel Fabrication & Coated Components

Overview
At Katmex, we believe strong local supply chains are built on collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to quality. Our ongoing relationship with Curl Moducons is a great example of how working closely with regional engineering partners allows us to deliver the right solution for our customers, every time.
While we have the capability to deliver complete projects in-house – from design through to delivery, partnering with Curl enables us to strengthen our local network and draw on specialist expertise where it adds the most value.

A Collaborative Way of Working
Our work with Curl is based on a genuinely collaborative approach. Curl specialises in smaller steel components, typically under 9mm, as well as painting and finishing parts. At Katmex, we focus on heavier sections, generally above 11mm, alongside cutting, machining, fabrication, and large-scale production.
Work moves both ways between our teams depending on project requirements. This flexibility means we can always choose the most efficient and effective route for our customers, while supporting a trusted local supplier at the same time.

Our Local Supply Chain in Action
Based in Washington, Curl is a valued part of our North East engineering supply chain. By working locally, we reduce lead times, minimise transport, and maintain close communication throughout every stage of production.
This approach allows us to offer customers confidence and continuity. They know that even where specialist processes such as painting or lighter-gauge fabrication are required, we have reliable partners in place who work to the same standards and expectations as we do.

A Relationship Built on Trust and Mutual Support
Our relationship with Curl has strengthened over time through regular communication, flexibility, and mutual support. We work as an extension of each other’s teams, sharing workloads where it makes sense and supporting one another to keep production moving smoothly.
This collaborative mindset helps us manage capacity, respond quickly to changing demands, and maintain the high standards our customers expect from Katmex.

Looking Ahead
As we continue to invest in our people, facilities, and technology, our local supply chain remains a key part of how we operate. Working with partners like Curl Moducons ensures we can continue to offer flexible, reliable, and high-quality solutions, while supporting the strength and sustainability of local engineering in the North East.

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Industry X.0 – From Talk to Traction: What Should Manufacturers do Next?

Why the latest data from the International Centre for Industrial Transformation should change how you lead industrial change.

The journey toward digital transformation for manufacturers in the UK has never been more urgent—or more complex. The recently released Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) white paper offers a data-driven roadmap for manufacturers determined to future-proof their operations, and seize the opportunities of Industry X.0.

Navigating the Digital Transformation Challenge

Manufacturers worldwide are grappling with a volatile environment: supply chain disruptions, economic tensions, climate imperatives, and relentless technological change. In this landscape, digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity for survival and growth. Yet, many businesses find themselves stuck between ambition and execution. The scale and complexity of change, coupled with resource constraints and a rapidly evolving technology landscape, create significant barriers.

Enter SIRI: The Smart Industry Readiness Index

The Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) is designed to cut through this complexity. Developed as the world’s first independent digital maturity assessment toolkit for manufacturers, SIRI provides a comprehensive, impartial framework to evaluate digital readiness across three core building blocks: Process, Technology, and Organisation. Within these, SIRI assesses 16 critical dimensions, from shop floor automation and enterprise connectivity to workforce learning and leadership competency.

What sets SIRI apart is its global benchmarking capability. With thousands of assessments conducted across more than 60 countries, SIRI allows manufacturers to compare their digital maturity with industry peers locally and worldwide. This benchmarking is more than a vanity metric—it’s a powerful tool for identifying gaps, prioritising investments, and tracking progress over time.

From Assessment to Action: The SIRI Approach

A SIRI assessment is more than a diagnostic exercise. It provides manufacturers with:

• A clear snapshot of current digital maturity across all 16 dimensions.
• Benchmarking against industry peers, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
• A prioritised roadmap for transformation, tailored to the company’s cost profile and strategic objectives.
• Actionable insights that support both operational optimisation and long-term strategic planning.

The process is robust yet practical, balancing technical rigor with real-world applicability. SIRI is not an audit – Certified SIRI Assessors guide companies through the assessment, ensuring that findings translate into sustainable, value-adding initiatives—not just theoretical recommendations.

Tangible Benefits for Manufacturers

The 2025 report contains some compelling case studies from leading manufacturers who have leveraged SIRI to drive measurable improvements. For example, Viessmann used SIRI to identify gaps in field automation and connectivity, leading to targeted investments that boosted production efficiency, reduced defect rates, and cut operational costs. PT. Akebono Brake Astra (Indonesia) harnessed SIRI to advance horizontal integration and automation, achieving significant inventory reduction, productivity gains, and energy savings.

Across these examples, common benefits emerge: increased agility, enhanced workforce skills, improved product quality, and stronger market positioning. Importantly, SIRI helps companies align digital initiatives with essential business objectives—whether that’s reducing time-to-market, achieving sustainability targets, or responding to customer demands with greater speed and precision.

Bridging the Digital Divide

The report also reveals a widening gap between digital leaders and laggards. While multinational corporations (MNCs) often lead in maturity, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can close the gap by focusing on foundational areas such as connectivity, workforce development, and leadership. SIRI provides a structured pathway for all manufacturers—regardless of size or sector—to progress from basic digital practices to integrated, intelligent operations.

A Call to Action: Don’t Get Left Behind

As digitalisation becomes the new baseline for competitiveness, the imperative for manufacturers is clear: act now, or risk being outpaced. SIRI offers a proven, globally recognised framework to guide your transformation journey—one that is grounded in data, tailored to your business, and aligned with best practices from around the world.

Here are four quick takeaways to consider for your business now:

• Find out where you stand. The very best manufacturers, the top 10% – score nearly three times as highly as the bottom 10%. Most manufacturers sit in the “broad middle” – but as the gap between the best-in-class and bottom performers is growing, you need to decide which direction your business is moving in.
• Focus on a small number of key priorities. Manufacturers that gain the highest returns act on a small number of targeted improvement initiatives. They are not trying to “boil the ocean” and fix everything at once. Prioritise two or three opportunities that directly impact operations.
• Don’t focus on the technology. The highest performing manufacturers invest in building capabilities (people and training), cross-organisation alignment, and leadership. Many manufacturers are still making the mistake of focussing on a particular solution, technology or software platform – instead, use a tool like SIRI to take a holistic view.
• Benchmarking is most powerful when you keep using it. Ongoing review helps to build and maintain momentum. The most successful organisations revisit and revise strategy and priorities, using tools like SIRI to track progress. Making this an organisational habit helps guide progress, and identify when there is a need to correct course.

The next step is simple:

Arrange a SIRI assessment for your facility. Gain an objective understanding of where you stand, discover where you can make the biggest impact, and build a roadmap that positions your business for sustainable success in the era of Industry 4.0.

Don’t let your digital transformation be a missed opportunity. Start simply – find out where you stand, define where you want to be, and identify your top 2-3 priorities.

Additional Information:

To download a copy of the Siri 2025 WhitePaper, visit https://www.intelligentapplication.co.uk/downloads

To find out more and talk with a local Certified SIRI Assessor – click here to book a short call with Paul Hatchett.

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