Collaboration and a focus on culture are key for the manufacturing sector in Wales to successfully embed digital tools and automation.
That’s the message from business leaders who spoke to Avril Lewis, Managing Director of Technology Connected and host of the Wales Tech Week Podcast.
Guests on the latest episode, Making It Smarter: Innovation in Manufacturing, described how sharing knowledge across the sector can help unlock productivity gains and longer-term resilience.
Oliver Conger, Managing Director of British Rototherm Group, has made it his aim to create an exemplar site that others can visit to see practical examples of how digital innovation works on the factory floor. The Port Talbot-based manufacturer has introduced cobots for welding and assembly, robots for internal logistics, and AI tools to support its operations.
“We will embrace this technology to the benefit of our customers,” Oliver said.
“We provide some of the most accurate and reliable measurement solutions in the world, and we will use this technology to continue doing that. If we don’t, then our competitors will.”
British Rototherm’s approach is rooted in its people. When investing in automation, the business has actively involved its workforce in selecting and applying the tools – including sending staff out to evaluate cobot suppliers.
“The most important thing in your business is your people,” Oliver said.
“The first step in our transformation was cultural, and the rest followed from there.”
Philip Roberts, Managing Director of Probe and POET Systems, told the podcast that data and digital tools are helping teams to respond more effectively to issues on the shop floor, not just from a desk. He believes the perception that tech is expensive remains a key barrier for SMEs.
“There’s a place for technology, and for working alongside people,” Philip said.
“But many SMEs are put off because they assume it’s unaffordable. In many cases, it offers a quick return – and we need to get that message across.”
Sinead Inson, who manages the fabrication area at the UK’s largest semiconductor manufacturing facility, Vishay Newport, highlighted how the business is empowering its operators to lead innovation.
“It’s very interactive, and the digital footprint continues to evolve,” Sinead said.
“Where we were once paper-based, we’re now generating webpages and platforms for use on the shop floor to make operators’ jobs easier.”
Vishay, which acquired Newport Wafer Fab in 2024, is investing in new software and AI to improve efficiency and product quality, while also working with other businesses in the region to share knowledge.
“Everyone is coming together to develop themselves and move forward,” Sinead added.
“We need to encourage one another and share what we’re learning.”
That spirit of openness is one of the themes behind Wales Tech Week, which returns to ICC Wales this November. Organised by Technology Connected, the event aims to make innovation more tangible for SMEs and bring manufacturers into the wider conversation around digital adoption.
“Wales Tech Week is about attracting businesses from all sectors to see the benefits of adopting new technologies and connecting them with the people who have the answers,” said Avril.
She added that the event is designed with SMEs in mind.
“We know manufacturing leaders are under pressure and juggling multiple roles. This is about making tech real, showing what’s possible, and helping them take the next step – one piece at a time.”
Avril said that collaboration, leadership and a willingness to share learning are central to helping the sector move forward:
“We have just three million people in Wales, but if we work together, we can have a much greater impact.”
Listen to the Wales Tech Week podcast episode Making It Smarter: Innovation in Manufacturing here.
Wales Tech Week takes place at ICC Wales, Newport from November 24 to November 26 2025. Find out more here: https://www.walestechweek.com/
