Coventry-based Fanuc UK (www.fanuc.eu), a leading provider of automation solutions, recently shared its plans for expansion with West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.

Managing director Tom Bouchier explained how the company intends to expand its 107,000ft² Ansty Park site by 25% over the next year; he then called for greater collaboration in the automation industry to boost growth and improve productivity in the UK.

He hopes the expansion will create another 15 jobs to add to the 130 staff already based at the site.

The West Midlands Mayor was joined on his factory tour by Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub strategic account manager Phil Peak.

The Growth Hub has worked with Fanuc UK for over three years in order to raise its profile and boost its connections across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Mr Street said: “Discussing the future of Fanuc and the automation industry with Tom gave me a real insight into how crucial further development is going to be for the regional economy over the coming years.

"He has an extremely positive outlook on the future of the industry and a genuine desireto work with other companies to discover best practice, innovate and share ideas.”

Mr Bouchier said: “I believe the future of automation is so vast in its scope that there should be more focus on incorporating greater automation at all levels across the UK.

“We have our own part to play in that, and our expansion — along with an ever-increasing focus on apprenticeships — shows that we are looking to the future.”