In the dynamic landscape of modern industry, sustainability has evolved from an optional consideration to a crucial pillar driving organisational success. The recent Monthly Industry Meet, chaired by Sam Sleight of Made in Yorkshire, delved into the realm of sustainable manufacturing within SMEs. Attended by industry stalwarts and insightful speakers, the breakout session echoed the commitment of companies to navigate towards sustainable practices. Here’s an overview of the valuable insights shared during the discussion.
The session commenced with Tony Sartorius, MD at Alucast Ltd, shedding light on a common predicament faced by many SMEs: high energy costs. With manufacturing processes reliant on substantial energy consumption, Alucast dedicatedly initiated measures to confront this challenge head-on. Tony emphasised the criticality of measuring every resource usage, leading to identifying opportunities for significant energy savings. By powering down machinery during non-productive periods, Alucast anticipates a substantial 30% reduction in energy expenses, exemplifying the power of conscientious resource management.
Joining the narrative of sustainability success stories, Duncan Proctor from Specialised Laser Products shared how electrification initiatives led to a remarkable 35% decrease in energy bills. Simple yet impactful changes, such as transitioning from diesel to electric forklifts, showcased the potential for transformative shifts towards sustainable operations. Meanwhile, WinMan’s implementation of smart lighting and energy-efficient work-from-home schedules emerged as integral strategies in curtailing energy costs, as highlighted by Emma Hill.
The conversation broadened beyond immediate energy concerns. Andy Dawson of Siddall and Hilton underlined the significance of aligning sustainability investments with stakeholder interests. Communication, from top-tier decision-makers to every employee, emerged as a key element in prioritising sustainability initiatives. This sentiment was echoed by Andrew Jacques from South and City College Birmingham, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and listening to all voices involved.
Fernanda Santos, the Sustainability Engineer at IMK Automotive, catalysed the discussion, emphasising two pivotal aspects for sustainable manufacturing. Her first directive was clear: "Invest in renewable energy ASAP." Despite its simplicity, this often-overlooked strategy holds immense long-term advantages that outweigh the initial hesitation. The second directive urged companies to align their objectives with the goals outlined by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), signalling a commitment to measurable and impactful sustainability benchmarks.
As the session drew to a close, it became evident that sustainable manufacturing isn't merely a goal; it's an ongoing commitment to innovation, resource efficiency, and stakeholder collaboration. The shared experiences and practical tips exchanged during the meetup emphasised that sustainability is achievable and profitable for SMEs.
In conclusion, the Made in Yorkshire Monthly Industry Meet served as a platform for collaboration and learning, igniting a collective momentum towards sustainable manufacturing practices. The imperative now lies in translating these insights into actionable strategies, aligning company objectives with global sustainability targets, and ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of industry practices in the upcoming year.
The promise of 2024 beckons with renewed vigour and a commitment to continue these thought-provoking dialogues, driving industry best practices forward.
Made in Group organise a range of events throughout the year both in person and online. Our monthly industry meet-up’s feature 3 speakers each time, which are followed by smaller discussion groups focussing on different topics each time.
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