Mike Cairns has been appointed Divisional Director at Mitsubishi Electric’s Automation Systems Division (ASD) in the UK.

This follows the retirement of current Divisional Director, Roger Payne, who had a successful and distinguished 37-year career at Mitsubishi Electric.

Mike will be responsible for the entire UK operation, which includes sales, technical support, marketing, product management and aftersales. He will also be responsible for the Mitsubishi Electric WAVE range of electric hand dryer products.

The food processing sector is notoriously competitive, yet a volatile energy market has placed further pressure on already tight operating margins. Now more than ever, manufacturers are turning to technology to gain a better understanding of their energy consumption with a view to either retaining or regaining a competitive advantage.

Here, David Bean, Solutions Group Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems UK, outlines his top five technology-led energy reduction tips for food processing applications.

Mitsubishi Electric has become one of a select few manufacturers to achieve third-party certification for the protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) across its MELFA family of industrial robots.

The certification covers a range of MELFA FR horizontal and vertical industrial robots with a maximum payload of 20kg, as well as the RV-5AS-D-ESD industrial collaborative robot. It has been achieved through the use of a specialist paint on non-loadbearing plastic components, which enables the entirety of the robot arm to be earthed and prevents ESD build-up.

Companies in the automotive industry have always been at the forefront of innovative manufacturing practices. However, to remain there, they must continue to adapt and adopt the latest developments in technology. This approach equips them to face evolving market demands as well as supply chain challenges. For automotive manufacturers, the next step to becoming more competitive and more profitable is to integrate real-time data generation and management across all aspects of car and part production.

Taking place on National Manufacturing Day on Thursday 28 September, the North East Automotive Expo will put a spotlight on skills and technology. Organised by the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), the Expo, the flagship event for the region's automotive industry, generates support from major players in the sector along with a strong line up of sponsors and last year welcomed over 700 delegates.

The Technology Showcase area will demonstrate some of the innovative technology being designed in the region to support the evolution of the automotive sector. Meet the Buyer, which facilitates over 100 one-to-one meetings each year, along with numerous successful supply chain opportunities and awarded projects, will return with support from OEMs and tier one suppliers.

Alongside a planned Skills Panel to discuss future skills needs, the NEAA has partnered with Wardley Primary School in Gateshead to showcase its range of robotics. The NEAA and industry realise the importance of supporting and working with schools to boost the future talent pipeline as the automotive sector competes for skilled people.

More details and how to book a place at the Expo can be found at:
www.northeastautomotivealliance.com/events/north-east-automotive-expo-2023/