Investment in automation technologies is as important as ever to Midlands manufacturers post-Brexit, according to specialist in engineering and manufacturing roles, Jonathan Lee Recruitment.
Richard Heaton, automation recruitment specialist at Jonathan Lee Recruitment explains: “We did see a little bit of dip immediately after the result of the vote was announced, with both European candidates and companies uncertain what the outcome would mean for them. However, since then confidence seems to have returned. In fact, investment in the area of automation, seen as a key factor in helping businesses to compete on a global stage, is very buoyant at the moment.
“Another factor driving demand in the sector is the number of high tech start-up companies that are emerging. In fact we have seen a 35% increase in demand for skilled people from software and electronics engineers through to project managers and systems designers from start-up businesses. We anticipate that the recent acquisition of Britain’s largest technology company ARM Holdings by Softbank in Japan, will encourage more entrepreneurs to invest in high tech industries to capitalise on the strong technical skills base we have in the UK.
“Online retail is also driving demand for warehouse automation as companies compete to meet the expectations of customers for same day or next day delivery. Advances in warehouse automation for managing inventory and picking stock is now critical to fulfilling customer demand for retailers to be able to respond in real-time, without compromising on quality and customer service.
“With the Midlands acting as a key hub for retail sales logistics, it is perhaps not surprising that major players are already well-ahead. We are now encouraged to also see SME retail businesses looking at automation to both drive growth and meet demand. With the right team in place to fast-track the changes, investment in robotics and automation can help regional SMEs to compete and grow and it may surprise them to see how quickly they can achieve a return on investment.”
Jonathan Lee’s Automation Recruitment division works in partnership with some of the leading manufacturers of bespoke machinery and automated integrators to support both technical and commercial needs in engineering, manufacturing, technical, supply chain and commercial roles, specialising in mechanical design engineers, PLC programmers, controls engineers, robot programmers, mechanical fitters and panel wiremen on contract or permanent basis.
With a surge in manufacturing output, automated solutions are key to maintaining a competitive advantage. Jonathan Lee Recruitment’s customers include manufacturers of special purpose machines, end of line packaging machinery, automated assembly, robotic welding and dispensing equipment, logistics and warehousing.