Tom Bouchier, managing director of factory automation specialist
Fanuc UK and Fanuc Ireland, will additionally take on the role of Northern Europe co-ordinator, vice president Fanuc Europe, from 1 September 2025. This strategic appointment demonstrates Fanuc’s commitment to strengthening its European sales strategy and reinforcing collaboration across the region.
In his expanded remit, Mr Bouchier will provide coordination and guidance across Northern Europe, supporting Fanuc UK’s continued growth and alignment with the company’s broader European goals. His career with Fanuc began 35 years ago when he joined the company as a service engineer. He was appointed managing director of Fanuc UK and Fanuc Ireland in 2022. A passionate supporter of UK manufacturing, he has led the company to deliver efficient, sustainable and innovative automated solutions to help manufacturers increase productivity and remain competitive in the global marketplace.
Mr Bouchier, a former electronics and electrical engineering apprentice, is also a fierce advocate of apprenticeships, helping to inspire future generations into a career in engineering through Fanuc UK initiatives such as the Fanuc Academy, partnerships with
WorldSkills UK, close ties with schools, colleges and universities, and relationships with organisations such as the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.
Advanced technologiesMr Bouchier said: “Manufacturing is a mainstay of the UK economy, contributing £518 billion — 23% of our GDP. To continue competing on the international stage and increase this further, it is vital that UK manufacturers embrace advanced technologies such as robotics and automation to reduce their energy consumption, increase their output and spark innovation.
“At Fanuc, we are committed to supporting manufacturers as they embark on their digital transition, helping them overcome challenges such as labour shortages, sustainability targets and competition from overseas. To secure the industry’s future, it is also vital that we encourage and inspire a pipeline of engineering talent from today’s digitally-native generation. In my expanded role, I am looking forward to aligning the goals and aims of Fanuc UK and Fanuc Ireland with those of Fanuc EU, bridging the gap towards a more successful, innovative and productive manufacturing sector.”
Marco Ghirardello, president and CEO of Fanuc Europe, concluded: “Tom brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this new position. I am delighted to welcome him into this role and am sure that his contributions will have a significant positive impact across the Northern Europe region, including the UK and Ireland.”