Manufacturers appear to be investing in key areas that will secure long-term competitiveness rather than speculative growth according to an outsourcing expert.
PP Control & Automation’s Tony Hague believes management teams are reacting to economic pressures, such as rising costs, supply chain uncertainties and ‘Trump tariffs,’ by adopting a strategic approach to survival.
The passionate CEO believes the focus is on product innovation to counteract price pressures, whilst moderate investment into new areas of opportunity has replaced aggressive diversification.
Supply chain collaboration is another key feature, and the West Midlands-based firm has seen this firsthand with enquiries soaring for outsourcing that delivers flexible scale-up and scale down of production and the unlocking of new capabilities that customers simply can’t afford in-house.
“No matter the challenge or strategic direction, collaboration can be the unifying force behind bold results. A force that can both accelerate progress and mitigate risks,” explained Tony, who has been at PP Control & Automation for more than 25 years.
“At PP C&A, a robust supply chain is non-negotiable. Its importance is driven by the fact that our customer’s supply and stock risk is mitigated when we inherit, manage and optimise their supply chain.
“It’s central to the value we add as an outsourcing provider, so over the years, it has meant turning suppliers into value-add partners and technical guides, rather than simple transactional relationships.”
He continued: “2025 has seen demand for the services we offer increase massively, as potential customers seek to build supply chain resilience and try to achieve growth without significant investment. There’s also a definite move towards shortening supply chains in the wake of global trade wars.”
PP Control & Automation already works with twenty of the world’s largest machine builders, providing speed to market, flexible production and access to new technology and capabilities for firms involved in food and drink, renewables, medical and machine tools.
The company is also working with a host of start-ups, innovators and established manufacturers who are facing constraints in availability of skilled labour and space.
200 highly skilled staff are employed at its world class Cheslyn Hay facility and have access to more than 200 hours of personal development and training every year, including at the company’s nationally recognised Bright Sparks university, a unique online learning platform.
Tony went on to add: “Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and this is reflected in the launch of PP Plus (a 20-strong network of manufacturing, tech, professional services and marketing specialists) and the Clean Energy Systems Partner Alliance (CESPA).
“The latter has been formed to boost onshoring manufacturing with six experts in their respective fields coming together to deliver a single source solution for innovators and developers of green technology.
“We have been joined by Danfoss, Emerson, Glacier Energy, Phoenix Contact and Voltserve, who will combine cutting-edge technologies and engineering prowess with sustainable solutions and proven production techniques.”
He concluded: “The members bring every discipline needed to optimise and build systems – electrical, civil and structural design, renewable energy software and automation, connection technology and electronics solutions and climate, drives and power solution products.”
For further information, please visit www.ppcanda.com or follow the company across its social media channels.
