The Stories Behind the Sleeves

To build a sense of security and make outsourcing trouble-free for machine builders and OEMs, an outsourcing partner like PP Control & Automation will take several measures.

The “50/50 principle” is a way to ensure every decision-maker and stakeholder is looked after and heard throughout the process. It splits 10 key points equally into two parts:

50% of the process builds the right environment to enter a partnership, and the other 50% builds trust in the partner’s competency and the final decision to outsource.

Published: 12th June 2023 (PP C&A Blog)

Artist(s): Richard Spears

The third in a series of six programmes from UK Manufacturing TV looks at the challenge facing SME manufacturers to recruit the skills they need, now and in the future.

With the national workforce depleted by Brexit and Covid, the crisis that has been evolving over years of underinvestment in skills, education and technology is close to becoming an existential threat.

Published: 20th April 2023 (UK Manufacturing TV Report) / 29th June 2023 (Various Publications)

Artist(s): Tony Hague & Sophie Young

Outsourcing non-core manufacturing activities could provide a hidden answer to industry’s growing skills shortage according to one of the sector’s leading CEOs.

PP Control & Automation’s Tony Hague believes companies, struggling with the recruitment puzzle, are missing out on a golden opportunity to solve their ‘people woes’ and become faster and more efficient in the process.

With unemployment rates in the UK extremely low and Brexit’s brain drain causing one of the biggest employment crises seen in decades, firms are being urged to consider an alternative approach that could transfer risk and the costly expense of finding and recruiting staff.

Published: 1st February 2023 (The Engineer magazine) / 4th May 2023 (PP C&A Blog & Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology)

Artist(s): Tony Hague

The Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN) has highlighted people as one of the key pillars of its MANifesto to boost UK industrial performance.

Malcolm Condon, HR People Partner at MAN member PP Control & Automation, believes a collective push needs to be made to change perceptions and influence at grassroots level.

Published: 17th July 2023 (PP C&A Blog) / 2nd November 2023 (The Manufacturer) / 14th November 2023 (Various Publications)

Artist(s): Malcolm Condon

Sustainability has accelerated as a key focus for UK manufacturers due to the imperative of ESG considerations, regulatory pressures, and evolving consumer preferences.

The alignment of machinery with sustainable practices not only ensures compliance but also unlocks market opportunities for growth and innovation, positioning manufacturers at the forefront of a changing economic landscape.

Published: 20th April 2023, 19th July 2023 & 24th August 2023 (PP C&A Blog) / 25th May 2023 & 18th September 2023 (Various Publications) / 19th October 2023 (Midlands Business Insider Magazine)

Artist(s): Richard Spears, Tony Hague & Garry Myatt

Time to market is undoubtedly a critical factor that machine builders should consider when developing new machines. Shorter time-to-market can provide the opportunity to benefit financially, with lower development costs, higher profitability, and competitive advantage.

However, there are several barriers that can slow down time-to-market. To overcome these barriers, machine builders need to plan strategically, invest wisely, and remain agile to adapt to changing circumstances.

A strategic outsourcing partner can assist in overcoming such barriers.

Published: 13th March & 4th May 2023 (PP C&A Blog)

Artist(s): Richard Spears

Recently mounted on the wall in reception at PP Control & Automation is an installation of 80 faces. These faces are those of the company’s longest serving employees. From six, all the way up to 43 years’ dedication.

The board represents 1,163 years’ combined service! At the very top of the long service wall is Frank Cox.

Published: 29th March 2023 & 27th June 2023 (PP C&A Blog)

Artist(s): Frank Cox & Richard Spears

PP Control & Automation’s Tony Hague took the main honour at the Engineering & Manufacturing Awards (EMA) on the evening of 13th September. He beat off the challenge of some of the UK’s most influential bosses to win the Industry Leader of the Year title.

He was joined on stage by one of PP C&A’s emerging engineers with 20-year-old Sophie Young recognised as the ‘Rising Star’ in front of over 300 people at The Marriott Hotel in London.

Sophie also celebrated an entry in The Manufacturer Top 100 in June, recognised as a ‘Young Pioneer’ and rubbing shoulders with 99 other remarkable talents.

The business also awaits the outcome of another couple of accolades in the Business Desk West Midlands Business of the Year Awards, where Tony has been shortlisted for Chief Executive of the Year and other categories after impressing judges during a facility visit.

Published: 8th June 2023 (PP C&A Blog) / 14th September 2023 (Various Publications)

Artist(s): Sophie Young & Tony Hague

Letting go is often the most challenging act for machine builders and OEMs to face as they embark on an outsourcing partnership.

But the right partner should fill you with confidence. You’ll realise quite quickly that letting go means gaining more.

The decision though isn’t one taken lightly and nor should it be. It’s one of the reasons a dedication to making outsourcing easy is this company’s uppermost pledge and its internal mandate. You won’t want to ‘let go’ of anything without doing proper due diligence on your prospective outsourcing partner. And some things are non-negotiable.

Published: 27th January 2023 (PP C&A Blog) / 7th March 2023 (BBC Radio 4) / 20th March 2023 (The Times)

Artist(s): Tony Hague