**West Midlands:** PP Control & Automation CEO Tony Hague explains how manufacturers are focusing on supply chain resilience, collaboration, and strategic investment to combat rising costs and geopolitical risks, while supporting innovation and workforce development in a shifting global market.
Manufacturers are increasingly prioritising resilience in their operations to ensure long-term competitiveness amid current economic challenges, according to Tony Hague, CEO of PP Control & Automation (PP C&A). Speaking to Process and Control Today, Hague outlined how this strategic shift is influencing investment decisions, supply chain management, and collaborative approaches within the manufacturing sector.
Based in Cheslyn Hay, West Midlands, PP C&A has observed that management teams across the industry are responding to rising costs, ongoing supply chain uncertainties, and geopolitical factors such as the US “Trump tariffs” by focusing on sustainable growth rather than speculative expansion. Hague remarked, “The focus is on product innovation to counteract price pressures, whilst moderate investment into new areas of opportunity has replaced aggressive diversification.”
Supply chain collaboration has emerged as a critical factor in this environment. PP C&A has experienced a significant increase in enquiries for outsourcing services that provide flexibility in scaling production and access to capabilities that clients may find costly to maintain internally. Hague explained, “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.”
The company emphasises a robust supply chain model, whereby they assume responsibility for managing and optimising their customers’ supply chains to reduce supply and stock risks. This approach entails evolving supplier relationships into value-adding partnerships and technical guidance rather than mere transactional engagements. Hague added, “At PP C&A, a robust supply chain is 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.”
Demand for PP C&A’s services has surged notably in 2025 as manufacturers seek to build supply chain resilience amid global trade tensions and aim to achieve growth without heavy capital investment. The company also notes a trend toward shortening supply chains in response to international trade uncertainties.
PP Control & Automation serves a diverse client base, including twenty of the world’s largest machine builders and companies involved in sectors such as food and drink, renewables, medical technology, and machine tools. In addition to established firms, the company works closely with start-ups and innovators challenged by limitations in skilled labour availability and manufacturing space.
At its state-of-the-art Cheslyn Hay facility, PP C&A employs approximately 200 highly skilled staff who benefit from extensive training, including access to over 200 hours annually within the company’s “Bright Sparks” university—a nationally recognised online learning platform. This investment in workforce development aligns with the company’s emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement.
Hague highlighted two recent initiatives that embody this collaborative spirit. The launch of PP Plus, a network comprising around twenty manufacturing, technology, professional services, and marketing specialists aims to enhance integrated service offerings. Additionally, the company has established the Clean Energy Systems Partner Alliance (CESPA), bringing together six experts— including Danfoss, Emerson, Glacier Energy, Phoenix Contact, and Voltserve—to support onshoring and the manufacturing of green technologies through combined expertise in electrical, civil, and structural design; renewable energy software and automation; connection technologies; electronics solutions; and climate and power products.
He underscored the collective capabilities of the alliance, stating, “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.”
PP Control & Automation’s strategic focus on resilient supply chains, collaborative partnerships, and workforce development reflects broader trends among manufacturers adapting to a complex and evolving economic landscape. Further information about the company and its services is available on its website and social media platforms.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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