A leading manufacturing boss has spoken out to urge manufacturers to prioritise green innovations onshore as the world moves toward Net Zero targets.
Tony Hague, CEO of PP Control & Automation, has made the rallying call ahead of tomorrow’s National Manufacturing Day.
He says the UK must commercialise more of its green technology at home to make the most of a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
The industrial CEO believes that the country has an unrivalled academic base and a clean frontrunner position when it comes to wind power and electrification.
Tony said: “We are home to world-class research institutions, a thriving start-up ecosystem, and have the foundations to become a hub for green innovation.
“However, without domestic manufacturing, we risk losing the strategic advantage of being a global leader.
“Onshore manufacturing of green technologies is an economic imperative, but it also aligns with broader environmental goals. To meet our 2050 Net Zero targets, the UK will need to drastically reduce emissions across all sectors and shortening our supply chains can play a key role in this.”
He says focussing on commercialising the technology in the UK could help to create up to 60,000 new jobs whilst reducing supply chain reliance and ensuring we retain critical IP that could be lost overseas.
Tony believes one of the best ways to take advantage is through closer collaboration and by leveraging each other’s capabilities.
PP Control & Automation, a Cheslyn Hay-based provider of outsourcing solutions, has founded PP Plus, a collective with over 20 organisations across UK manufacturing, academia, and professional services, which Tony says could be a possible blueprint.
“The partnership is harnessing innovation in clean energy systems through an alliance of complimentary design and engineering capabilities, and hardware and software solutions, to drive efficiency and environmental stewardship.
“It is early days, but there has already been a lot of interest and we’re expecting the first projects to get underway shortly.”
He added: “In short, by manufacturing green technologies domestically, the UK can create jobs, strengthen its economy, secure resilient supply chains, and meet its climate goals.”
