**West Midlands**: Manufacturers are prioritising resilience over speculative growth amid economic challenges. PP Control & Automation highlights increased outsourcing, supply chain collaboration, and innovation as key strategies, while supporting sectors from renewables to medical technology and promoting skills development through dedicated training programmes.
Manufacturers are increasingly prioritising resilience in response to current economic pressures, according to industry experts at PP Control & Automation (PP C&A). Tony Hague, the CEO of the West Midlands-based firm, explains that management teams are focusing on securing long-term competitiveness rather than pursuing speculative growth.
Hague outlines that economic challenges, including rising costs, supply chain uncertainties, and tariffs introduced during the Trump administration, have prompted companies to adopt a more strategic approach aimed at survival. He emphasises the importance of product innovation as a means to counteract price pressures, while noting a trend towards moderate investment in new opportunities rather than aggressive diversification.
A key element of this strategic shift is enhanced collaboration within supply chains. PP C&A has witnessed a surge in enquiries for outsourcing services that allow for flexible scaling of production and access to capabilities that clients cannot financially maintain in-house. “No matter the challenge or strategic direction, collaboration can be the unifying force behind bold results. A force that can both accelerate progress and mitigate risks,” Hague explains in an interview with Process and Control Today.
He highlights that at PP C&A, a robust supply chain is considered non-negotiable. “Its importance is driven by the fact that our customer’s supply and stock risk is mitigated when we inherit, manage and optimise their supply chain. It’s central to the value we add as an outsourcing provider,” Hague adds. Over time, this approach has evolved supplier relationships from simple transactions to value-added partnerships and technical guidance.
Demand for PP C&A’s services has increased substantially in 2025 as companies seek to build resilience and pursue growth without significant capital investment. Hague also notes a trend towards shortening supply chains, influenced by global trade tensions and tariff disputes.
PP C&A collaborates with twenty of the world’s largest machine builders, supporting sectors such as food and drink, renewables, medical technology, and machine tools. The company also works with start-ups, innovators, and established manufacturers facing constraints such as limited skilled labour and production space. Operating from its Cheslyn Hay facility, PP C&A employs around 200 highly skilled staff who receive over 200 hours of training annually through initiatives like the company’s Bright Sparks university, an online learning platform with national recognition.
Hague underscores the centrality of collaboration by referencing the launch of PP Plus—a network consisting of 20 specialists in manufacturing, technology, professional services, and marketing—and the Clean Energy Systems Partner Alliance (CESPA). CESPA has been established to support onshoring manufacturing for green technology developers. Its members include industry leaders such as Danfoss, Emerson, Glacier Energy, Phoenix Contact, and Voltserve. Together, they provide integrated solutions combining advanced technologies, engineering expertise, sustainable practices, and proven production techniques.
“The members bring every discipline needed to optimise and build systems—electrical, civil and structural design, renewable energy software and automation, connection technology and electronics solutions and climate, drives and power solution products,” Hague concludes.
For more details about PP Control & Automation and its initiatives, interested parties can visit www.ppcanda.com or follow the company’s updates on social media channels.
Source: Noah Wire Services
