Nearly a third (32 per cent) of UK manufacturers have invested in robotics, making this country the industry-leader in this area, according to KPMG's Global Manufacturing Outlook for 2015.

Comparably, only 18 per cent of other global countries have taken up robotics, reports The Manufacturer.

Using innovative technology is becoming more important as the market becomes more competitive on a global level.

Similarly, there have been economic concerns of late, which have led to UK manufacturers seeking out more aggressive growth strategies to improve their position in the industry.

Stephen Cooper, partners and head of industrial manufacturing in the UK for KPMG, said: "UK manufacturers are showing clear progress towards embracing industry 4.0 developments and an integrated manufacturing strategy.

"They are evolving their operating models and investing in new digital and industrial 'internet of things' technology."

Of these technologies, the most common that UK manufacturers are adapting concern 3D printing and digital manufacturing equipment.