Speakers at the launch of CenFRA, the new Centre for Food Robotics & Automation, told guests that investment in robotics will be key to the future sustainability of the sector. The centre, the first of its kind in Europe, is based in Doncaster and headed up by chairman Michael Taylor, who is also operations director for Fosters Bakery.

“Our mission is to support the long term sustainability of the UK food and drinks industry by providing independent affordable solutions,” said Taylor.

He added that the CenFRA board was made up of food and drink professionals each bringing their respective talents to the company and collectively focused on providing help and guidance to the industry.

The formal opening of the Centre which comprises a combined investment of £2.8 million was undertaken by Simon Hill, executive director of Business, Yorkshire Forward, who is the principal sponsor of CenFRA Ltd. He told the audience that food and drink is the single largest manufacturing activity in Yorkshire and Humber. “Automation is the key to anchoring and protecting jobs within the sector because it allows more money to be invested into innovation and through this the opening up of new markets,” said Hill. “By funding this project… we hope to see the industry innovate that little bit more, and this should not be isolated to just product design but also include packaging to ensure a 'one voice' offer to industry.”

The final speaker was Mike Wilson, who is the Chairman of the British Automation and Robotics Association. Mr Wilson emphasised the growing overseas competition, rising energy costs and labour shortages the UK food industry is now facing.

The number of robots installed per 10,000 production workers employed in the UK is just 44 compared to Germany at 171, France 84 and Spain at 89. He said: "UK manufacturing is in decline and unless the food sector invests in new technology it will go the same way."

"To tackle this problem it is vital that industry has far more knowledge about automation applications and the benefits," he added.

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