Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions has unveiled a new Smart Factory Innovation Centre at i54, on the Wolverhampton-Staffordshire border, which it has said underscores its commitment to digital transformation in manufacturing, especially in the UK.
Officially opened by councillors Stephen Simkins and Roger Lees, leaders of City of Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Councils respectively, the centre represents a significant six-figure investment in revamping Atlas Copco’s existing facility.
Located in a technology-focused business park developed through a partnership between City of Wolverhampton Council, Staffordshire County Council and South Staffordshire Council, the Swedish-owned Atlas Copco is a provider of industrial productivity solutions.
The new UK-first centre will serve as a showcase and training hub for advanced smart tooling, industrial assembly systems and machine vision solutions, powered by Ericsson’s private 5G network. This Industry 4.0 deployment integrates human-centric skills with real-time wireless solutions.
The centre boasts a replica factory environment to demonstrate Atlas Copco’s innovative solutions, including 5G-enabled tool control software, error-proofing systems and 3D laser inspection technology. During the opening, Councillors Simkins and Lees explored the facility and met apprentices and graduates, highlighting the company’s role in nurturing future smart manufacturing leaders, according to a press statement.
Councillor Simkins praised the i54 business park for fostering industry innovation, noting that Atlas Copco’s new centre will enhance manufacturing efficiencies and sustainability in the West Midlands and beyond.
The Smart Factory Innovation Centre forms part of Atlas Copco’s vision of a smart manufacturing ecosystem, with the firm promising to aid customers in digitalising production processes with real-time data insights.
James McAllister, general manager at Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions, added: “The Atlas Copco Group continues to innovate and break new ground as a worldwide strategic partner to manufacturers, and this major investment in our Midlands operations will further strengthen our commitment and ability to deliver real-time production efficiencies.
“Our Smart Factory Innovation Centre reflects Atlas Copco’s vision and mission to create a smart manufacturing ecosystem that allows our customers to digitalise production processes and achieve sustainability goals, by harnessing real-time data insights from industry-leading smart tools, vision systems and software. We look forward to welcoming customers and aspiring industry partners to visit during 2024.”
