Today is National Manufacturing Day, a day when manufacturers throughout the UK will once again be opening their doors, with members of the public invited into factories and sites for a behind-the-scenes look at how manufacturers’ facilities work.
Here are a collection of comments from industry leaders about National Manufacturing Day, which is organised by Make UK:
Volker Spanier, Head of Manufacturing Solutions, Epson EMEA
“UK Manufacturing Day is a timely reminder of the sector’s proud history and exciting future. Manufacturing in the UK has always thrived on adaptability and innovation, and today we are witnessing another profound transformation, one where diversity, technology, and sustainability intersect to shape the next generation of industry.
“With robotics advancing rapidly, we are entering a new era in which machines are no longer rigid, single-task tools. Instead, they are flexible, reprogrammable partners – cobots designed to collaborate with people across a wide range of roles. Far from replacing workers, these intelligent systems take on repetitive or hazardous tasks, freeing people to focus on creative, strategic, and value-adding work. This evolution not only enhances productivity but also helps create safer, more inclusive workplaces that attract a wider talent pool into the sector.
“The increasing accessibility of smart robotics, with simpler software, increased affordability, and designed to be more reusable, means UK manufacturers of all sizes can embrace automation. This democratisation of advanced technology represents a turning point: one where robotics strengthens the UK’s manufacturing excellence and global competitiveness.
“Manufacturing has always evolved with people at its heart. Today’s sector offers diverse career paths, from engineering and design to data analysis and operations, for those ready to shape the factories of the future. Together, people and technology can build a more sustainable, prosperous, and resilient UK economy.”
Claire Hu Weber, Vice President of International Markets, Fluke Corporation
“It’s no longer just ‘important’ to bring young people into manufacturing, it’s mission critical. The skills gap is widening year after year, and the numbers don’t lie. In the UK, more than half of manufacturers expect up to a fifth of their workforce to walk out the door into retirement within the next decade.
“Add to that the fact that women make up barely a quarter of the UK manufacturing workforce, we don’t only have a lacking workforce pipeline but a lack of diversity too. Unless we move fast to attract new talent and break down the barriers that keep women from entering and staying in the industry, we’ll lose not just capability, but the diversity of thinking that fuels real innovation and growth.
“This sector doesn’t need polite conversation, it needs urgent action. Every leader has a responsibility to step up, make inclusivity and growth pathways non-negotiable, and to do it now – before the gap becomes impossible to close.”
Michael DeMaria, Director of Product Management, Fluke Reliability
“We don’t just have a skills gap; we have a capability gap.
“As experienced workers retire, industries risk losing the situational knowledge built through decades of trial, error, and high-stakes decision-making. At the same time, the next generation brings a new mindset – they expect smarter ways of working, tools that prevent unnecessary mistakes, and careers that are sustainable: mentally, physically, and professionally.
“The ‘hard way’ created strong foundations. But relying on it today slows progress. The strategic path forward is to capture that lived experience and translate it into scalable systems. AI can help make this possible by embedding veteran expertise into guidance that helps new employees adapt quickly, avoid preventable failures, and focus on continuous improvement.
“Workforce development must reset around this principle: protect the value of experience, leverage AI to scale it, and equip the next generation to thrive in a more adaptive, resilient future of work.”
Jesus Hernandez, Senior Vice President, EMEA, AVEVA
“The manufacturing sector is facing a critical challenge: an aging workforce that threatens long-term productivity and competitiveness. Currently, there are 55,000 unfilled long-term vacancies in UK manufacturing, with an estimated £6 billion in lost output per year tied to these skills gaps. Addressing this challenge demands an urgent focus on equipping the next generation with the skills, tools, and knowledge needed to drive the industry forward.
“It is important to look at how skills and experience can be transferred from seasoned professionals to younger members of an organisation. True expertise in manufacturing does not come from simply following instructions; it comes from understanding the “why” behind every decision, whether that relates to safety, regulations, or technical processes. An experienced engineer will have learnt thousands of lessons through trial and error along with first-hand experience. Passing on this in-depth knowledge requires more than just saying “this is how we’ve always done it.” It instead demands active mentoring, along with taking the time to explain any reasoning behind decisions.
“However, with many experienced people retiring over the next few years, the industry needs to consider other means of upskilling. Forward thinking manufacturers are now also making the most of integrated AI-assistants. These provide guidance and assistance 24/7 to junior team members, imitating the expertise of senior employees with decades of practical know-how. By providing AI guides to turn to, businesses can offset the dilemma so many are facing: an aging workforce that is retiring and taking its hard-earned knowledge with them.”
Simon Bowes, CVP Manufacturing Industry Strategy EMEA, Blue Yonder
“Manufacturing Day celebrates the industry’s strengths, showcases its innovation, and inspires the next generation of talent. It reinforces the essential role manufacturers play in driving growth, advancing sustainability, and building resilience in an era of constant change.
“Manufacturing is evolving through smarter, more sustainable ways of designing, sourcing, and delivering. Resilient supply chains sit at the heart of this transformation. Extending automation beyond robotics—into transport, fulfilment, returns, and even customer-facing environments—connects people, robotics, and intelligent systems to reduce inefficiency, cut waste, and lower carbon impact.
“Artificial intelligence is a critical enabler. Predictive demand planning powered by AI helps manufacturers anticipate fluctuations, reduce overproduction, and align supply with real needs. The 2025 Blue Yonder Supply Chain Compass Report, which surveyed nearly 700 senior supply chain leaders across manufacturing, retail, and logistics, revealed 40% of leaders say AI is already changing how they operate, while 47% are using predictive AI to improve planning. Leaders cited the top benefits as better planning and predictability (37%), faster decision-making (36%), and better risk management (31%).
“But technology alone is not enough. Adoption requires people. The Supply Chain Compass Report revealed that 24% of leaders see workforce skill gaps as a barrier to AI adoption. This makes investment in skills and career development just as vital as investment in technology. Hand in hand it will empower today’s workforce to take on higher-value roles and inspiring new generations to view manufacturing as a dynamic, purpose-driven career.
“Manufacturing Day is therefore a call to action: accelerate innovation, equip people with the tools and skills they need, and build ecosystems where sustainability, resilience, and talent converge. As the Supply Chain Compass Report highlights, 82% of leaders believe outdated technology will hold their supply chains back. The future is already here, and it will be shaped by those bold enough to embrace it.”
Mark Williams, Managing Director EMEA, WorkJam
“The frontline workforce is often seen as the backbone of the manufacturing industry – they are the ones who produce, move, and maintain products to ultimately get the job done. Yet, workforce challenges continue to plague the sector, with 75% of manufacturers identifying skills shortages as their biggest barrier to growth. It is vital for companies to focus on investing in the frontline in order to mitigate these skills gaps, boost operational productivity and achieve success for the future.
“Particularly with older generations of frontline workers starting to retire, it’s important for organisations to look at attracting new talent into the industry. For example, for young workers just starting out in their careers, having access to continuous and accessible learning can make all the difference when it comes to job satisfaction and motivation. Having a more tailored approach to skills development allows new employees to build out their abilities and knowledge of the industry, therefore not only improving their individual performance but also the performance of the organisation as a whole. Additionally, providing other capabilities such as flexible shift scheduling and earned-wage access can make a new career in the industry much more attractive to the younger generation. Having all of this available in a single app, accessible to all employees from their own devices, will ensure success, drive engagement, and help to offset the skills gap.
“This year’s National Manufacturing Day is a timely reminder of the fact that a motivated, strong and capable manufacturing workforce boosts productivity and operational performance. Prioritising the retention and engagement of the frontline is key to upholding the industry and allowing it to remain as a key player in the UK economy.”
