As the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) celebrates its 10th anniversary, members geared up for Expo 2024 in confident mood, with a survey revealing many companies are set to significantly increase investment levels in the next two years.
The annual North East Automotive Expo has grown year-on-year since the NEAA was formed in 2014 and is recognised as the most influential event of its type within the UK automotive supply chain sector.
Paul Butler, chief executive of the NEAA, said: “We have achieved so much in the ten years and so many people, members and support organisations have made a phenomenal contribution to make the NEAA and the sector what it is today – the largest representative body within the UK automotive industry.
“While we will celebrate the past ten years we are, as always, looking to the future and our member survey has filled us with optimism. 64% of those surveyed have planned significant investment over the next two years, a clear signal the supply chain is confident and bullish about growth prospects. Reinforcing this optimism, 50% of members said they were expecting to announce significant automation projects, over the same period.
“These are very positive figures and an indication that the sector will continue to grow at pace and further jobs will be created. However, there is no room for complacency, as 64% said they are struggling to recruit the right calibre of people and this could seriously hold the sector back. The North East Local Skills Plan (NELSIP) highlighted this is a challenge for many sectors, and it’s clear it will be a key priority for the NEAA and will focus heavily in our Strategy 2030.”
Other survey findings showed that 72% said they would be implementing a digital strategy within the next two years and were equipped with the right skills to start that journey, whilst 77% have a sustainability strategy in place.
A 10 Year Celebration Drinks Reception, held at Expo 2024, sponsored by SMS Smart Manufacturing Solutions and SMS Tech, took place at the Main Stage at the end of the day.
The Expo is also supported by Headline Sponsor, Sunderland City Council, Partner Sponsors, Invest South Tyneside, TR Fastenings and Hitachi Digital Solutions, Lunch Sponsor, Masfix, Breakfast Sponsor, Jabil, Refreshments Sponsor, SOS Industrial, Registration Sponsor, CMYK | Business Technology, and Expo Guide Sponsor, Horizon Works.
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