An industrial productivity specialist has invested a six-figure sum into a ‘UK-first’ facility aimed at helping manufacturing businesses gain a competitive edge.
Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions has re-engineered its existing building at the i54 business park in South Staffordshire and opened a Smart Factory Innovation Centre as a showcase and training hub for its industry-leading smart tooling, industrial assembly systems and machine vision solutions.
James McAllister, the firm’s General Manager, said: “The Atlas Copco Group continues to innovate and break new ground as a worldwide strategic partner to manufacturers, and this major investment in our Midlands operations will further strengthen our commitment and ability to deliver real-time production efficiencies.
“Our Smart Factory Innovation Centre reflects Atlas Copco’s vision and mission to create a smart manufacturing ecosystem that allows our customers to digitalise production processes and achieve sustainability goals, by harnessing real-time data insights from industry-leading smart tools, vision systems and software.
“We look forward to welcoming customers and aspiring industry partners to visit during 2024.”
Swedish-owned Atlas Copco provides industrial productivity solutions across a wide range of markets including general engineering, manufacturing and process industries.
The new centre features a replica factory production environment, enabling Atlas Copco to demonstrate the company’s whole portfolio of solutions. This includes its customisable, 5G-enabled tool control software and its newest error-proofing solution, and its latest inspection solution, with 3D laser technology.
It was officially opened by Leader of South Staffordshire Council, Councillor Roger Lees, and Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins.
i54 is a joint partnership between the two councils.
Speaking on behalf of the partnership, Councillor Stephen Simkins said: “Once again, the award-winning i54 business park developed collaboratively by City of Wolverhampton Council, Staffordshire County Council and South Staffordshire Council is providing the springboard for innovation in industry.
“Atlas Copco’s new Smart Factory Innovation Centre will help manufacturing businesses – from the West Midlands and much further afield – to gain a competitive edge by improving efficiencies and strengthening their sustainability levels.
“It’s been brilliant to see some of these emerging technologies today first-hand, to better understand how this cutting-edge facility will further reinforce the region’s world-class strengths in this sector.”
Atlas Copco has been based at 154 since April 2018 and currently employs 110 people at the site.
The new centre hasn’t created any specific new jobs, but the firm has said there could be some new vacancies pending.
