The Role of Robotics in Driving Supply Chain Value
The new KUKA robot equipped with thermal spray head at ASG AMF Engineering
The UK manufacturing sector is at a critical juncture, facing increasing competition from low-cost labour and resource-rich economies. In this landscape, robotics and automation are proving to be transformative forces, enabling businesses to bridge the productivity gap while maintaining high standards of quality and innovation. For ASG Group, a leading aerospace supply chain conglomerate headquartered in the UK, strategic investments in robotics are key to securing a competitive edge.
Simon Weston, Managing Director of ASG Group, emphasises the strategic importance of automation in maintaining the UK’s position as a global leader in aerospace manufacturing: “Automation is a cornerstone of our strategy to ensure resilience and competitiveness. Robotics allows us to address the dual challenge of cost and quality, ensuring that we meet the exacting standards of aerospace primes while remaining globally competitive.”
ASG Arrowsmith Engineering, which is part of the ASG Group is tapping into the ‘march of the robots’ to help it capitalise on 20% growth over the last twelve months. The firm has invested over £200,000 into a new Doosan 4th axis machining centre and robotic cell that will help it boost production speed and increase capacity by 50%. The company is using ‘lights-out’ manufacturing to run a precision engine part 24-hours a day, seven days per week, supplying more than 200 components every month to customers based in Spain and the US. Integrating robots into the process has removed the need for a second machine, freeing that up to cope with new contract wins that have seen turnover soar to £10m and the workforce grow a further 10% to seventy people.
ASG Group’s investment in robotics spans a wide range of applications, from pallet loaders and collaborative robots (co-bots) to cutting-edge thermal spray technology. These innovations have revolutionised operations across the Group’s network of companies, including ASG AMF Engineering, which recently implemented a state-of-the-art robotic thermal spray system. This new capability not only enhances efficiency but also ensures consistency and precision in surface treatments critical for aerospace applications.
The KUKA robot operates the spray gun itself, with parts secured to a turntable bed, controlled by the robot to ensure an even coating over the parts. The whole process takes place within a large soundproofed extraction booth to minimise the risk of explosion from the aluminium dust created and limit the operators' exposure to the high decibel operating level.
Zack Kirkman, Operations Manager at ASG AMF Engineering, discusses the impact of the new system: “The introduction of robotic thermal spray technology represents a major leap forward for us. It has enabled us to deliver superior quality coatings while reducing lead times, which is crucial in the highly demanding aerospace sector. Robotics doesn’t just streamline operations; it unlocks new possibilities for innovation and growth.”
The integration of robotics has also facilitated a shift in workforce dynamics. Rather than replacing jobs, these technologies have created opportunities for upskilling, empowering employees to take on roles in programming, maintenance, and optimisation. This approach aligns with ASG Group’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation forward.
“Investing in robotics has allowed us to future-proof our operations and create a more dynamic, skilled workforce,” Simon Weston notes. “By embracing these technologies, we’re improving productivity and ensuring that our employees are equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.”
The advancements in robotics also support sustainability goals, an increasingly important consideration for the aerospace sector. Automated systems reduce waste, optimise resource use, and improve energy efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable manufacturing process. By leveraging the latest technological advancements, the company continues to set new benchmarks for efficiency, quality, and innovation, reinforcing the UK’s role as a leader in aerospace manufacturing.