Join us as we bring together our manufacturing community for a factory tour event to explore how to drive productivity and efficiencies within the sector.

This event brings together our manufacturing community to hear industry leading expertise and to visit a state-of-the-art facility in order to discover how you can learn from other manufacturing companies on their drive for productivity, quality, efficiency and profitability. No matter if you are a small or large manufacturing firm, this session will cover both ends of the spectrum.

This is also a fantastic opportunity for manufacturers to network, develop new business contacts, share ideas and best practice.

Hearing from key note speakers from industry on how to remain ahead of the game and to be a competitive UK manufacturer.

Agenda

08:15 Onwards | Arrival, Networking & Breakfast Refreshments

Exhibiton space including: Invest Telford, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Make UK, Midlands Engine Investment Fund and Made Smarter.

09:00 | Guest Presentations

Welcome, Event Overview & Key Industrial Trends in 2025 – Chris Corkan, Region Director at Make UK, the manufacturers organisation

Make UK (formerly known as EEF) is the largest and most influential voice supporting over 20,000 UK manufacturing employers, of all shape, size and industrial sector. Chris is the main industrial ambassador for the Midlands & East of England, engaging with stakeholders to represent manufacturing business views. A key part of his role as Region Director is to engage Make UK’s members and to assist them in advancing their business. By providing bespoke introductions, industry insight, a programme of events & networking opportunities, promoting their business and ensuring their views are heard with government.

Business Support Service Overview – Dan Turner, Team Leader at Invest Telford, Telford & Wrekin Council

The Telford & Wrekin Council Business Support team is dedicated to helping your business thrive, overcome challenges, and build resilience. Our range of fully funded services include grants for growth, assistance with employee recruitment and retention, one-to-one support, and events and workshops on various topics. With our expertise and connections, we are committed to helping businesses unlock their potential and achieve success. Central to this support is our Thrive Telford programme, funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. These tailored schemes aim to assist new ventures and expanding enterprises by offering flexible solutions that cater to the unique requirements of each business.

Welcome & Introduction to Ricoh UK Products Ltd - Tim Ottley, General Manager at RPL

Tim is General Manager of the Operations Division at Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL). He is responsible for Toner Operations & Ink Filling, Production Print, Ink & Digital Supplies and Supply Chain. Tim joined RPL in 2021 after over 35 years in the Engineering and Manufacturing Industry, specialising in Aerospace, Automotive and Digital Services. Tim has a Bachelors of Engineering (BEng Hons) Diploma in Industrial Studies in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Masters of Science (MSc) in Engineering Business Management

Adopting Digital Technology at an SME - Poppy Durnall, Human Resources & Operations, Wrekin Sheetmetal Ltd

Poppy with a strong background in HR strategy and organisational development, builds high-performing teams and implements effective business solutions within the manufacturing subcontract industry. She is responsible for employee relations, performance management and operational optimisation; ensuring alignment with goals of the SME. She is known for her leadership and creating environments where people thrive whilst meeting the company’s strategic objectives with a results-driven mindset for efficiencies and progression.

Industry Case Study - Tony Parker-Watkins, Managing Director of Mechtech Automation Group Ltd

Tony Parker-Watkins is the Managing Director of Mechtech Automation Group, a leading provider of integrated automation solutions. Tony joined Mechtech in 2014 as the Business Development Manager. His exceptional leadership and vision led to his promotion to Sales Director in 2020. In November 2022, Tony was appointed as the Managing Director

With over 29 years of experience in advanced automation, Tony has been instrumental in shaping Mechtech's strategy and growth. His expertise spans various aspects of automation, including smart factory solutions, factory automation, robotics and engineering excellence. Under his leadership, Mechtech continues to innovate and deliver cutting-edge automation systems to its clients

10:15 | Comfort Break

10:35 | Tours of Facility – Ricoh UK Products Ltd

12:00 | Networking & Close

Exhibiton space including: Invest Telford, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Make UK, Midlands Engine Investment Fund and Made Smarter.

12:30 | END

Ideally suited for

Manufacturers responsible for operations and strategy. Make UK reserves the right to prioritise bookings for members, manufacturers and direct competitors of Ricoh Products UK Ltd will not be able to attend

Driving Productivity in Manufacturing - Factory Tour, Ricoh UK Products Ltd