FDF to host first engineering and automation event in London

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) will gather industry experts from across the food and drink manufacturing supply chain at its first engineering and automation showcase event on 28 February.

Taking place at the FDF’s new offices in central London, the event will focus on the future of engineering and the implementation of automation, as well as how the industry can attract the right workers and upskill existing workforces.

Speakers include representatives from FDF members such as Emma McLeod, principal engineer at Mondelēz International, Ryan McNeill, sustainability manager at Nestlé, Robert Brooks, European industry marketing manager at Food & Beverage for Omron, and Keith Thornhill, business manager at Food & Beverage at Siemens, as well as academics from Sheffield Hallam University and Lincoln University.

The day will be split into four sessions, each focusing on a key topic and including a panel session with speakers. The sessions are entitled ‘Looking ahead: Future challenges for food engineering’, ‘Making the case for Automation’, ‘The impact of skills’ and ‘The Big Engineering and Automation Challenges for Us’.

Angela Coleshill, FDF competitiveness director, says, “As we approach a time of increasing economic uncertainty, it is essential that food and drink manufacturers continue to grow levels of productivity by investing in automated technologies and by improving the skill levels of our workforce.

“We’re very pleased to be able to welcome so many leading authorities from the world of engineering and academia to our first engineering and automation event. The occasion will provide an invaluable platform for attendees to learn more about technologies of the future and how safeguarding a pipeline of talent remains key to ensuring business growth.”