Manufacturers are being encouraged to embrace the potential of artificial intelligence while remaining realistic about its capabilities.
The message emerged from a gathering of manufacturers and technology experts at
Safran Nacelles in Burnley, where discussions focused on the opportunities, challenges and practical applications of AI in industry.
The event, Smarter Manufacturing: Using AI to Improve Productivity and Performance, was organised by RTC North, Made Smarter North West and Burnley Council as part of Burnley Business Week and to mark Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day.
Around 50 delegates attended, representing sectors including aerospace, automotive, machinery, plastics, textiles and printing. Business leaders shared examples of how AI is helping to save time, reduce costs and improve productivity, while also highlighting concerns around skills, data security and keeping pace with rapid technological change.
Speakers stressed the importance of starting with genuine business challenges, experimenting on a small scale and maintaining human oversight.
Steve Wilkinson of
RTC North said manufacturers should not be deterred by the hype surrounding AI.
“There’s a lot of dabbling and playing going on, and that’s a good thing. It’s part of technology adoption,” he said. “What matters is finding justified, meaningful applications that help people in manufacturing make better decisions faster.”
One company already taking that approach is Salford-based
Hafferty Interiors. Supported by Made Smarter North West, the Government-backed programme helping SME manufacturers adopt digital technologies, the business has enlisted a Digital Intern to develop an AI strategy and explore applications across its operations.
Founder Ronan Hafferty said AI had already delivered significant benefits in design.
“AI has already made a real difference, particularly in design where it has saved us a huge amount of time and cost, and it is blowing our minds every week with how quickly it is developing,” he said. “But you can’t be lazy with it. You can’t get rid of common sense and the human element.”
That balance between enthusiasm and caution ran throughout the event. Judson Smythe, managing director of Blackburn-based
MGS Plastics, urged manufacturers to make use of the technology without becoming over-reliant on it.
“Use AI as a tool, but don’t be the tool that AI is using,” he said.
Delegates also heard that businesses may already possess valuable AI knowledge within their own workforce. Mike Riding, managing director of Burnley-based
Process Instruments, described how establishing an internal group to explore AI revealed unexpected levels of expertise and enthusiasm among employees.
Safran Nacelles provided the perspective of a large manufacturer already advancing its digital transformation programme. The Burnley facility, which employs around 750 people, is exploring AI alongside technologies such as manufacturing execution systems, connected machinery, simulation and automated inspection.
Michelle Hubel, Head of Digital Transformation, said success depends on strong foundations, particularly in areas such as data quality, governance, security and workforce capability.
“We all think we’ve got good data until we actually start looking at it,” she said.
A second panel featuring specialists from Made Smarter North West, Door4, Seriun and The AI Works examined how manufacturers can move from curiosity to implementation.
Mark Edwards of Seriun challenged the perception that AI projects need to be complex to deliver meaningful benefits.
“Don’t worry about the stuff that AI can’t fix or can’t help,” he said. “Use it to fix the things you can today to make your business quicker, faster, better.”
Kevin Smith, Lead Technology Adoption Specialist for Made Smarter North West, encouraged manufacturers to focus on operational challenges rather than technology for its own sake.
“AI doesn’t automate jobs, it automates tasks,” he said. “Look at what takes up people’s time, what frustrates them and where AI could make a difference.
“Then start small, get some quick wins and build confidence and skills. Keep people at the heart of it and make sure you’re solving a genuine business problem. The opportunity is huge, but ultimately AI has to deliver value for your business.”
The event concluded with a tour of Safran Nacelles’ Burnley manufacturing operations, where delegates were able to see sheet metal and nacelle production processes and learn more about the company’s wider digital transformation journey.
For more information, visit madesmarter.uk.