Yorkshire-based Sewtec Automation, which specialises in designing and engineering automated manufacturing and packaging systems, has secured a new contract to design and manufacture a bespoke automation system for the Royal British Legion’s poppy production facility in Aylesford.

The automation specialist has utilised the latest technology available within the industry for the RBL’s in-house manufacture of poppies. The new machinery will automate the assembly of paper poppies, transforming reels of paper and pre-made stems into the famous two-petal poppy, worn by millions of people each year as a symbol of Remembrance. In fact, the new contract comes during The RBL’s 100th year supporting Armed Forces personnel and their families.

The poppies will then be packaged and sent out to locations around the country for the charity’s annual Poppy Appeal, which raises money for the RBL’s vital work supporting the Armed Forces community through hardships, injuries, and bereavements. The project is being managed by a specialist team of Sewtec Engineers to be installed in time for the RBL to produce poppies for use during the 2022 appeal.

Commenting on the new project win, Ian Walch, Sewtec Automation’s managing director, said: “We are extremely proud to be working on a project for the Royal British Legion, which provides vital support to current and former military personnel and their families. The Sewtec team have invented a powerful solution designed to deliver reliable and accurate assembly of the poppies.”

Simon O’Leary, assistant director of fund-raising at the Royal British Legion, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Sewtec Automation to produce a bespoke and innovative design solution that will safeguard our mass paper poppy production for many years to come.

“We produce around 30 million poppies annually and these are distributed to communities across the country via our dedicated volunteers and partner organisations. Every poppy makes a difference to the lives of our Armed Forces community.”

Sewtec Automation invents, designs, manufactures, installs, and supports effective industrial automation systems worldwide. The company works with some of the best-known brands across a wide variety of industries, solving complex engineering challenges to help businesses perform better.