The global market is driven by handling larger volume of the manufacturing industry and warehousing: as conveyor systems constitute a significant part of material handling systems. Conveyor systems are essential for continuous and industrial facilities. The impact of COVID-19 has been immense and with many challenges, the market is being encouraged to focus on automation, to make the manufacturing process better to react, and continuously keep up with supply and demand.
In contradiction, however, conveyor and handling systems are relatively complex in their design and construction, owning to their large scales and integration across different factory processes and requirements. The use of effective systems, perhaps with bespoke requirements will likely be a commercial strategy that many companies look to take in the future.
How will the industry change?
The Manufacturer reported that some manufacturers have ceased production completely, some have seen greatly reduced demand and others have seen a huge increase in demand. Every manufacturer is impacted by this crisis in some way. Industry 4.0 is not only as relevant as it was before the global Covid-19 emergency, it’s actually far more relevant moving forward, however the focus has changed to be more driven towards defining models and building more resilience across operations.
The diary industry
Panic buying across the UK has added a significant pressure to the diary supply chain.
Dairy UK has written to the Defra Secretary urging him to work alongside the Treasury to develop a financial support package to help the industry navigate the adverse effects the coronavirus has had on the sector, as well as their guidance given to the public to avoid bulk shopping, and restrictions in retailing.
The Government and The Environment Agency has recognisesd the difficulties businesses are facing as a result of COVID-19, stating that they “expect businesses to use contingency plans to help them comply with regulatory requirements and minimise unavoidable non-compliance”. As a result, they have published a set of RPS which set out more lenient regulations during this time: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/covid-19-regulatory-position-statements
In addition, Dairy UK, the association for the industry has been very receptive and proactive at providing resource and support for the industry, which you can find via their website https://www.dairyuk.org/the-uk-dairy-industry/covid-19-guidance
Open for business
We are a fully integrated company in that we design, engineer, manufacture, install and service our entire product range. This allows us to bring our customers a wealth of knowledge and hands on experience along with the personal touch of quick and effective problem solving for all their automation and materials handling requirements.
