NEWS COMMENT


Welcome to the Summer ‘26 issue of UK Manufacturing. UK manufacturers have reached a point where digital capability is no longer the question. The next phase of transformation is defined by how


effectively that capability is embedded into operations, where performance, resilience and scale become the real measures of success. Find out more in an article from Rockwell Automation’s Phil Hadfield on page 16 of this issue.


Victoria White, Editor E


ESSENTRA COMPONENTS’ KIDLINGTON FACILITY ACHIEVES GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE ACCREDITATION


ssentra Components has announced that its head office, Kidlington, Oxford, UK, has achieved IATF 16949:2016 certification, the internationally recognised quality management standard for the automotive industry. Developed by the International Automotive Task Force – a body whose membership includes BMW, Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, Renault, and Volkswagen – IATF 16949:2016 builds on the foundations of ISO 9001 with automotive-specific requirements covering defect prevention, process consistency, risk management, and continuous improvement. Certification demands extensive upfront process documentation, rigorous internal auditing, and a third-party assessment conducted by an IATF- recognised certification body. For leading automotive OEMs and Tier 1 and 2 suppliers, the accreditation is central to partnerships with component manufacturers. The accreditation follows a year of sustained work by Essentra’s Kidlington team, implementing robust


processes and systems, stronger cross-functional collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement across the site’s operations. The result is a quality management framework built to meet the demanding standards of automotive supply chains. For Essentra’s automotive customers, the certification provides assurance that the Kidlington facility operates to the highest standards of quality control – from process design and material traceability through to final delivery. In a sector where the consequences of component failure can cascade throughout an entire production line, that level of assurance carries real weight.


www.essentracomponents.com E


ENDOLINE STRENGTHENS IN-HOUSE EXPERTISE WITH ENGINEERING MANAGER APPOINTMENT


ndoline Automation has appointed Christopher Tracey as engineering manager, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in its in-house expertise as demand grows for its end-of-line packaging systems in the UK and international markets. Tracey’s appointment reflects Endoline’s continued growth and commitment to investing in its engineering capability. He will lead the engineering team while working alongside Trevor King, who has been part of Endoline since its early days in the 1980s. With more than 40 years’ service, King has played an instrumental role in shaping Endoline’s engineering expertise and reputation for quality. He will continue to support the business, ensuring his extensive technical knowledge and experience remain an integral part of Endoline’s future as the company continues to grow. Working alongside Endoline’s experienced team of mechanical, electrical and automation engineers, Tracey will oversee the design and development of the company’s end-of-line packaging machinery. His role will focus on driving continuous improvement, supporting new product development and ensuring customers continue to benefit from innovative, reliable engineering solutions. “What attracted me to Endoline was the opportunity to join a highly specialised engineering business that’s genuinely committed to delivering bespoke solutions for its customers,” said Tracey. “There’s a real sense of pride throughout the company, and every machine is designed with a clear focus on meeting the customer’s specific requirements.


“The complexity behind many of these projects is far greater than people realise, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that creates innovative solutions to meet those challenges. It’s also a privilege to be part of a business that champions British manufacturing excellence both here in the UK and internationally.” For more than 45 years, Endoline has designed and manufactured robust, high-quality end-of-line packaging systems for customers across the food, beverage and consumer goods sectors.


A key strength of the business is its ability to engineer solutions around each customer’s exact operational requirements. Rather than supplying standard equipment, Endoline’s in-house team works closely with customers to understand their production environment, packaging formats and operational challenges before designing automation solutions tailored to their individual needs. Andrew Yates, managing director of Endoline Automation, said: “Engineering has always been at the heart of Endoline. No two production lines are ever


UKManufacturing Summer 2026


the same, which is why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our engineers work closely with the sales team and every customer to develop solutions that are tailored to their exact operational requirements, whether that’s adapting an existing machine or creating something completely bespoke. “Christopher’s appointment strengthens that capability and reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the people and expertise that have underpinned our success for more than four decades.”


Looking ahead, Christopher Tracey is focused on supporting the engineering team as the business continues to expand.


He added: “Strong engineering is fundamental to successful automation. Customers invest in automation to improve efficiency and reliability, so it’s essential that every solution is robust, well-designed and fit for purpose. That all starts on the drawing board. My focus is on supporting our talented engineering team, driving continuous improvement and ensuring we continue to bring innovative, high-quality solutions to market as Endoline grows.”


endoline-automation.com 5


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