Industry Online Meet-Up with Harper Adams University, Ineco Energy & Power Plastics Ltd

Join our Monthly Industry Meetup!

Join us for a captivating virtual event where industry experts, thought leaders, and professionals gather to share knowledge, insights, and best practices. Our mission is to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and drive growth within the manufacturing community.

Each month, we feature 3 engaging talks from Made Members, focusing on best practice around key themes that shape the future of manufacturing. Our Meetup series covers a wide range of headline topics, including:  Future Factories, Sustainable Manufacturing, Growth Strategies, and People & Skills.

January's lineup of speakers and Roundtable Session subtopics includes:

• Simon Price, Director at Power Plastics
  How Prison Workforce Partnerships Can Support Business Growth (Growth Strategies)                                                                                          

Join Simon Price as he explores an innovative solution to one of today’s biggest challenges—finding and retaining skilled staff. Discover how Power Plastics partnered with local prisons to build a flexible, motivated workforce while supporting individuals' rehabilitation. Simon will share how this initiative has driven business growth, scaling the company from 40 to 110 employees over five years, while also contributing to social good. Learn practical advice on forming successful partnerships, overcoming challenges, and integrating this strategy into your workforce planning.

• Chris Cowling, Commercial Director at Ineco Energy:
  Is Solar the Right Solution for Your Business? (Sustainable Manufacturing)

As energy costs soar, manufacturers are turning to solar energy as a powerful solution for cost reduction and sustainability. Chris Cowling will explain how solar PV and battery storage can optimise energy use, improve resilience, and lower operational costs, all while meeting ESG goals. Through practical examples and feasibility strategies, Chris will guide you on evaluating solar’s potential for your business, selecting the right technologies, and funding your transition to clean energy. Whether you're exploring renewable energy for the first time or looking to enhance your existing system, this talk offers invaluable insights for manufacturers of all sizes.

• Parmjit Chima, Head of Engineering at Harper Adams University:
  Bridging the Digital Skills Gap (People & Skills)

With seasoned workers retiring and digital technologies advancing rapidly, manufacturers face an urgent need to retain knowledge and develop future-ready talent. Parmjit Chima will reveal how Harper Adams University's Digital Skills and Innovation Hub trains students in robotics, AI, and automation while creating stronger academic-industry partnerships. Parmjit will share how manufacturers can leverage these programmes to bridge their skills gap, retain operational expertise, and build a sustainable talent pipeline. Gain actionable advice on engaging with educational initiatives, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing, and equipping your workforce for the digital future.

• From Legacy to Smart: Upgrading Aging Factory Systems (Future Factories)

  As manufacturing evolves, many businesses face the challenge of modernizing legacy systems—outdated equipment, software, or processes that no longer meet the demands of modern production. Legacy systems, while reliable in their time, often lack connectivity, flexibility, and the efficiency offered by Industry 4.0 technologies.

  This discussion will explore how manufacturers can assess, upgrade, and integrate smart technologies into aging infrastructures. We’ll cover practical strategies, such as retrofitting existing machines, implementing IoT devices for real-time data monitoring, and overcoming challenges like cost constraints and workforce training. Whether you’re at the start of your digital journey or planning a major overhaul, join us to share experiences, discover scalable solutions, and future-proof your factory systems while optimizing productivity.

Join us for this powerful and inspiring 75-minute event that will ignite your passion and creativity!

Agenda: 

9:00am - Member attendees join 
9:02am - Official welcome and event start 
9:02am-9:10am - Community updates and announcements 
9:10am-9:38am - Best practice talks from Made Community speakers 1, 2 & 3 on subtopics such as people & skills, growth strategies, smart factories, or sustainability themes ( each talk is 5-7 mins )
9:40am - Member Virtual Roundtable Sessions on the member selected subtopic (members to choose their session via Made Platform events page )
10:10am - Return to the main room for final remarks and goodbyes