What's Happening?
Automate UK, a leading trade association focused on advancing automation in the industrial sector, has appointed Dan Thombs as its new Chief Executive Officer. Thombs, who brings 30 years of experience in automation and advanced manufacturing, succeeds
Peter Williamson, now the Policy Director. His appointment is part of a strategic move to expand Automate UK's influence and accelerate the adoption of automation across various sectors in the UK economy. Thombs aims to enhance member services and foster collaboration between technology providers, integrators, and end users to drive innovation and sustainable growth. The organization plans to introduce a new End-User Membership program to strengthen manufacturers' voices in industry discussions and shape the future of UK manufacturing.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Dan Thombs as CEO of Automate UK is significant as it underscores the organization's commitment to advancing automation, which is crucial for enhancing productivity and competitiveness in the UK manufacturing sector. By fostering collaboration and innovation, Automate UK aims to support economic growth and job creation. The new leadership is expected to leverage the organization's lobbying power to partner with other trade associations and government agencies, thereby influencing policy and funding decisions that could benefit the broader industrial ecosystem. This move is poised to help UK manufacturers become more competitive globally by adopting advanced automation technologies.
What's Next?
Under Dan Thombs' leadership, Automate UK is preparing for its largest event yet, Automate UK Week 2027, scheduled to take place at the NEC in Birmingham. This event will bring together various sectors, including processing, packaging, robotics, and industrial vision, to foster collaboration and innovation. The organization is also focused on building momentum through initiatives like the UK Automation Forum and government-funded projects. These efforts aim to create a unified voice for the industry, addressing end users' needs and overcoming roadblocks to automation adoption, ultimately driving economic growth and job creation.
