When setting out the UK government’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan last summer, Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Industry, stated ambitions for the UK to be recognised as the best place to start, grow and invest in advanced manufacturing anywhere across the globe by 2035.
There are plenty of steps being put in place which should help to make this vision a reality, with Portakabin, the UK’s leading modular building provider, on hand to explain how modular buildings can also help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt advanced manufacturing practices quickly.
A recap of the UK’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan
Published last year, the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan details four ways which collectively will aim to increase annual business investment in advanced manufacturing across the UK from around £21 billion currently to £39 billion by 2035.
These steps include reforming the business environment for long-term stability and certainty and prioritising six manufacturing sub-sectors, which researchers believe have the highest potential for growth over the next ten years:
- Advanced materials
- Aerospace
- Agri-tech
- Automotive
- Batteries
- Space
It should be no surprise to see the spotlight being put on the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector in such a positive way. This industry already directly supports an estimated 760,000 jobs and boosts the nation’s economy by over £82 billion gross value added (GVA) every year. Productivity in the sector has also increased by 202% between 1997 and 2024.
The rise of the UK’s AI sector
As has been the case with many industries in recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) can boost advanced manufacturing practices by improving adaptability, efficiency and precision.
The UK’s AI sector already looks to be in a strong place. According to a statement released by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, £2.9 billion was invested in British AI companies in 2024 alone.
NVIDIA Founder, President and CEO Jensen Huang also recently acknowledged to BBC News that “the UK will be an AI superpower”. His comments were made as a £31 billion “Tech Prosperity Deal” was agreed between several US tech firms and the UK government.
However, an interesting note has been made in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan. A 2024 Make UK report was referenced within the document, which found that only eight per cent of UK manufacturers had implemented AI and machine learning practices into their operations successfully. Just seven per cent of the manufacturers involved in the research said that they were well-versed in AI applications too.
Fortunately, the AI Opportunities Action Plan aims to ramp up the adoption of AI technology and practices in the UK, especially with the creation of dedicated AI Growth Zones to accelerate the build out of AI infrastructure throughout the nation.
As the AI sector becomes larger in the UK though, SMEs making use of this technology may need more expandable facilities like data centres.
Modern modular facilities play a vital role in supporting the development of data centres across Europe, delivering the high-quality infrastructure required to keep these complex builds running smoothly.
Flexible solutions can be used to support the build of data centres, from site accommodation and welfare facilities to luxury office spaces and canteens, all of which are built to exceptional specifications.
With extensive experience working alongside major infrastructure projects, Portakabin helps enable the fast, efficient growth of large-scale developments where reliable, expertly delivered support structures are essential, both in the UK and across Europe.
A network of robotics adoption hubs incoming
In another section of the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, it was announced that a new Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) programme is being launched.
Part of this development will see the establishment of a fresh network of physical Robotics Adoption Hubs. These hubs aim to give SMEs a helping hand when introducing robotic technology around a working environment, by providing them with the connections, equipment and expertise needed to get things set up with confidence.
The National Robotarium, which is a global research institute based at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University, has welcomed the creation of this network, with its CEO Stewart Miller saying in an official release that it marks “a pivotal moment in the UK’s journey towards robotics leadership”.
“This new investment comes at a critical time,” Miller added. “The UK currently ranks just 24th globally for robots per manufacturing worker, with Germany alone installing eight times more robots than the entire UK in 2023. The global robotics market is projected to reach £218 billion by 2030, representing enormous opportunities for countries that position themselves as producers rather than consumers.
“The new robotics adoption hubs will focus on accelerating technology uptake and supporting businesses in understanding and implementing robotics solutions.”
How modular buildings can help all SMEs tap into the potential of advanced manufacturing now
It may take time for SMEs to understand and implement the likes of AI infrastructure and robotic technology around their current work environments.
However, modular buildings can supply the facilities which firms need, when they need them. These structures also provide businesses with the flexible, secure and scalable environments they need to meet those needs without delay.
Simon Pollard, Manufacturing Director at Portakabin, explains: “Advanced manufacturing demands modern, adaptable environments. Fortunately, modular buildings allow businesses to create high-spec facilities up to 70% faster than traditional builds, without compromising durability or performance.
“As the sector transforms, the ability to expand, reconfigure or relocate buildings easily helps manufacturers to stay agile and competitive. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to build for the future.”
All six manufacturing sub-sectors being prioritised in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan can benefit from using modular buildings as temporary facilities too. This is because these structures address the need for high-quality additional space to be quickly created while renovations and expansions are taking place.
With plans already being rolled out to make the UK the best place in the world to start, grow and invest in advanced manufacturing by 2035, SMEs should not delay in finding ways to improve their manufacturing practices and facilities to put them in the best possible position to reap the rewards of their forward-thinking approach.