At Endoline Automation, we’ve spent decades supporting manufacturers through end of line systems which are designed to optimise output, reduce labour strain, and improve overall efficiency. But the landscape is shifting. What was once considered a competitive advantage is now a necessity.

Our recent customer insight survey confirmed what we’ve long suspected: 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that automation can still significantly improve their productivity, efficiency, and workforce engagement. This isn’t a marginal opinion this is a universal industry truth.

As the UK continues to deliver on the ambitions set out in the Industrial Strategy, it’s clear that automation and robotics are central pillars in rebuilding a resilient, competitive, and future-focused manufacturing sector. But despite this strategic alignment, barriers remain.

Uncertainty, Skills Gaps, and a Call for Action

The pandemic, and the economic uncertainty it unleashed, continues to shape capital investment decisions. Over one-third of our survey respondents cited this lingering commercial ambiguity as a key obstacle to automation adoption. A further 20% highlighted limited access to government funding or grants, something we urge policymakers to address if the Industrial Strategy’s vision is to be fully realised.

The strategy champions advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, and outlines public investments in AI, robotics, and infrastructure. But support must be tangible on the ground. Whether through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund or new food-sector-specific innovation grants, greater access to capital will directly accelerate automation adoption.

Spreading Investment Over Time: Integration Confidence Is Growing

One of the more promising findings from the survey was that over a third of respondents are confident they can integrate new technologies incrementally, spreading investments over time and minimising disruption. This supports one of the core messages of the Industrial Strategy: that digital tools must be scalable and interoperable, allowing UK manufacturers to modernise in stages, not all at once.

As a supplier of modular, customisable automation solutions, Endoline is uniquely positioned to support this trend. From case erecting to robotic palletising, our systems are bespokely designed to be integrated into existing operations with minimal disruption—helping teams build automation confidence from the ground up.

Legislation Looms Large

When asked about what legislative developments would have the biggest impact over the next decade, 70% of respondents pointed to new labour laws, including changes to minimum wage, as the most significant driver. This finding echoes why many companies first turn to automation—to create consistency, flexibility, and cost-stability in the face of rising employment costs and labour shortages.

Interestingly, net zero targets and energy legislation did not register as a major concern, suggesting that while sustainability is on the radar, productivity and workforce structure still dominate day-to-day decision-making in operations.

Automation Is a Workforce Enabler – Not a Replacement

While the headlines often paint AI and robotics as job eliminators, our findings suggest otherwise. 80% of survey respondents viewed automation, AI, and digital tools positively—with 40% saying they create a more productive, engaging work environment, and another 40% citing their role in eliminating repetitive, low-value tasks.

That said, it’s telling that 20% of companies are still using paper-based production records, stored in filing cabinets. This digital disconnect must be addressed if the UK is to lead in smart manufacturing. As the Industrial Strategy rightly identifies, building digital infrastructure and standardising data flows is just as important as physical automation.

ROI Expectations Are Maturing

When it comes to return on investment, 50% of companies surveyed said they’re satisfied with a 3-year payback. This is a significant cultural shift. Gone are the days when automation was expected to deliver instant returns. Instead, manufacturers are beginning to understand automation as a long-term productivity asset, not a one-time cost saving.

The government’s focus on long-term sector resilience and digital transformation only reinforces this thinking. Automation is no longer an isolated investment – it’s part of a national strategy for smarter, more sustainable manufacturing.

Final Thoughts: From Policy to Production

The UK’s Industrial Strategy is right to champion automation, robotics, and data-driven manufacturing. But the government now needs to ensure its policy ambitions are supported by accessible funding, training pathways, and a strong SME support framework. Our survey results confirm that the will is there – what’s needed now is the means.

At Endoline, we’re proud to be supporting manufacturers on this journey. We believe that every production line, no matter how complex or traditional, can benefit from tailored, scalable automation. The future of UK manufacturing won’t just be automated; it will be empowered.

www.endoline-automation.com

 

Endoline Automation is set to join French distributor partner, SERPAC, at the forthcoming CFIA Rennes Exhibition – Booth 10–E4 – for the second consecutive year, following the success of their CFIA debut in 2024.

Building on the momentum from last year’s exhibition, Endoline will once again showcase its innovative packaging solutions at this unmissable food industry event. On the stand, visitors will be able to see Endoline’s 248 High Speed Glue Case Erector in action, a system that represents a significant leap forward in packaging technology.

Robustly designed to withstand the rigors of industrial environments and streamline packaging processes, the 248 Case Erector delivers exceptional results at speeds of up to 30 cases per minute. Integrated with advanced servo-drive technology for high precision, along with intuitive HMI and user-friendly software, the system also offers ease of use to minimise downtime.

The use of glue not only strengthens the integrity of the boxes for secure transit and storage but also contributes towards sustainability objectives due to the ease of recycling and the elimination of tape waste.

Offering increased productivity, reduced labour costs, and enhanced operational efficiency, the 248 Case Erector delivers a swift Return on Investment, making it the ideal exhibit at CFIA, as Endoline Automation’s Export Sales Manager, James Ramsay explains: “Following the success of our CFIA debut in 2024, we are delighted to be returning to this long-established event alongside our trusted French partner, SERPAC. The 248 Case Erector empowers businesses to optimise their packaging operations while achieving production goals, and we are excited to showcase its benefits once again to CFIA visitors.”

A British manufacturer with over 40 years of engineering expertise, Endoline Automation has a long-established reputation for engineering high-quality case erecting and case sealing machinery. With a presence in over 30 countries, through direct customer sales and distributor relationships, Endoline entered into a partnership with SERPAC in 2022.

Endoline Automation – helping food manufacturers drive efficiency and reduce energy costs

Energy consumption in the food and beverage industry has always been a considerable factor, spanning across numerous processes within the manufacturing cycle. However, with rising food costs and increasing energy prices fuelled by global events, the industry faces significant pressure to find alternative solutions to combat these escalating expenses.

It’s no longer just about productivity; managing energy cost volatility is now critical for food and beverage manufacturers navigating these economic challenges.

Recognising the urgent need for improved energy efficiency on packaging lines, Endoline Automation has introduced a groundbreaking solution that promises to make a substantial impact. By re-engineering its 248 Fully Automatic Case Erector, Endoline has integrated the innovative SMC Air Management System (AMS) to address the growing demands for energy conservation.

This new design upgrade enables manufacturers to save over 60% on energy costs, providing a welcome reprieve in an increasingly strained environment.

Compressed air has long been an essential resource within manufacturing plants, valued for being clean, safe, and readily available. However, it is also an expensive resource if not managed efficiently. Widely used to power automation in large-scale factories, compressed air accounts for up to 40% of a manufacturing facility’s total energy bill. Without effective monitoring, leak rates can be alarmingly high, resulting in wasted energy and increased operating costs.

These inefficiencies can also impact production output, further hindering profitability.

Endoline Automation’s technological innovation directly mitigates the risks associated with compressed air misuse. Working in collaboration with SMC Pneumatics UK, the company has incorporated the AMS30 Air Management System into its 248 Fully Automatic Case Erector. This advanced system continuously monitors airflow, using only the exact amount of air required. It can also automatically reduce air pressure to pre-set values and isolate the air supply when the machine isn’t operating. This level of precision dramatically reduces needless air consumption, alleviating the financial burden on manufacturers while maintaining operational efficiency.

Another critical feature of the AMS30 system is its focus on traceability. The system boasts an open dashboard with an OPC UA interface that enables manufacturers to monitor compressed air output. This data can be integrated into a customer’s monitoring system, offering a precise, real-time view of air usage. Such transparency allows manufacturers to detect and address air leaks swiftly, preventing energy waste and potential disruptions.

“Our fully automatic case erectors are already powered by servo drives for their ability to provide greater control with energy efficiency. These drives only consume power when needed, enabling instant adjustments during the case erecting process,” says Andrew Yates, Managing Director of Endoline Automation. “However, we understand that our customers are under immense pressure to cut energy costs further. With compressed air being a hidden cost driver, its efficient use is crucial. We are thrilled to offer a solution that not only reduces energy costs but also enhances the overall efficiency of our systems.”

The integration of SMC’s Air Management System (AMS) is an exciting leap forward for Endoline Automation. This system can now be incorporated into most of their packaging solutions and retrofitted into existing equipment with modifications. By offering this upgrade, Endoline Automation continues to set a new standard in sustainable, cost-effective manufacturing for the food and beverage industry.

Just like its ‘filmsake’, Endoline Automation has taken a time-traveller-themed trip, with nods to nostalgic packaging concepts of the past as well as unknown packaging hypothesis of the future.

 

Founded in 1981, Endoline Automation is to manufacturing what the DeLorean’s flux capacitator is to packaging plot twists and bending the rules of time. Now in its fifth decade and third generation of Yates leadership, Endoline’s recently showcased its legacy and enduring success as a true packaging machinery pioneer and trailblazer PPMA 2024. 

Under the title, Pack for the Future, the cast and crew explored how Endoline has helped processors adapt to each and every emerging packaging trend from the past four decades. As well as showcasing how the company continues to gain universal acceptance for its automated systems across the globe.

Throughout the eras, packaging has become synonymous with food protection, waste reduction and the ultimate symbol of convenience-culture. From the early 1980s, when barcodes were first introduced – before this every supermarket product was priced and dated manually using sticker guns – packaging has adapted to consumer needs.

In a short space of time, manufacturers focused on making products easier to carry, faster to open, quicker to reseal, simpler to dispose of, and more sustainable. Alongside this functionality, smart technologies started to roll out in the 1990s. Around the same time, extended opening hours, including Sunday shopping, was introduced.

Immortalising efficiency

With this pace of change came an unprecedented pressure among manufacturers to deliver products faster and more regularly from central distribution centres, often in more formats, packaging types and case sizes.

“The 1980s was defined by many as the Golden Era. Although it inevitably was a nostalgic time, Britain’s manufacturing powerhouse was facing its first greatest challenge – offshoring. It was a divisive decade underpinned by uncertainly, major trade reforms, industrial strikes and significant dips and fluctuations in UK manufacturing,” comment Managing Director Andrew Yates.

Without the luxury of time-travel or a crystal ball during the foundational years, Endoline Machinery’s founder Ronald Yates pre-empted that efficiency and the challenges of the time would be addressed through clever engineering and simple, yet effective automation.

From a rented room within a former corset factory, Ron designed and built his first entry level semi-automatic case sealer. The timeless classic continues to be widely sold by Endoline today. It was designed so that manufacturers could seal cases at speed and with precision. Some colleagues might still say that Ron was the original Doc Brown

 

Universal appeal

During the 90s, Endoline went from strength to strength. Its range of end-of-line packaging machines expanded to include both semi and fully automatic case erectors, case loaders, case sealers, and ergonomic hand-packing stations.

“The 1990s represented a crucial shift in manufacturing supply chains, which resulted in significant investments in logistics. A landslide Labour victory towards the end of the decade resulted in more inward investment, and in 2007 the highest manufacturing output ever was recorded by the UK,’ recalls second generation leader Alan Yates.

Having forged strong alliances with other OEM’s, Endoline began integrating its systems into manufacturing plants to create full turnkey lines. To accommodate this upscaling of the business, Endoline moved to larger premises in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, where the team continues to operate from today.

“This was the next era representing another big shift in automation requirements. Some of this was needed to counterbalance the loss of over 1.5 million UK manufacturing jobs between 1997 and 2009,” notes Alan.

At the same time, more stringent labelling and packaging rules started to roll out, leading to the introduction of more sensors, scanners, automated labelling and talk about new Smart Factory centralised and networked systems.

 

Meta-Mania for the Age of Austerity

While Endoline maintains a strong British manufacturing presence, it has expanded its reach to over 20 countries through direct sales and distributor relationships. Likewise, the Doc Brown serial innovator mentality continues to move the company forward.

The cinematic masterpiece predicted the adoption of wearable gadgets, smart glasses, video communications, biometric identifications and even drones delivering mail and walking dogs. Once deemed far-fetched in the mid-1980s, these technologies, particularly real time data, are rapidly becoming reality.

Andrew Yates continues: “Of course, every manufacturer needs to think about the here and now and near-time gains. But what makes Endoline so different is we balance this with aligning every customer’s long term vision to their future goals.”

Andrew surmises that we all need a Marty McFly protagonist who can transport between the different eras and bend the rules a bit. “This fusion of our past successes and future outlook is part of our enduring Pack for the Future appeal. We have and we will continue to set new standards of efficiency and production transparency.”  

Testament to this success, the unique dual opposing vacuum technology engineered by the company in 1990 is rated as one of Endoline’s most pioneering technologies. But one of the company’s biggest seller is now the 744 Fully Automatic Random Case Sealer launched in 2012. This system went on to set new standards in high speed, random case sealing and was sold to snacks manufacturers across the globe.

Eager to emulate this success, Endoline has recently debuted a stronger and more sustainable Wet Paper Taper Case Erector, while Endoline Robotics has unveiled a new smaller footprint pack and palletise robotic cell. This has been designed especially for packing high-value product applications.

Now under the steer of the third generation of Yates, with Andrew Yates as Managing Director and Richard Yates as Operations Director, Endoline Automation’s distinct automation positioning combined with the power of imagination is propelling them towards a record order pipeline.

“Decades after the release of Back to the Future, the DeLorean car remains an enduring symbol of the film’s cinematic, forward-looking time-travelling adventure. A status that Endoline and our Pack for the Future automation strategy can only hope to emulate and pass on to future generations,” remarks Andrew.

 

End

Endoline Automation are proud to announce that the fourth generation member of the Yates family has joined the business, with Grace Yates being appointed as Sales & Marketing Assistant for the packaging machinery manufacturer.

 

Founded in 1981 by Grace’s great-grandfather, the late Ronald Yates, Endoline is globally renowned for its engineering capabilities in the creation of packaging automation.

The company is currently under the steer of the third generation of the Yates family, with Andrew Yates as Managing Director and Richard Yates as Operations Director. Their father, Alan, joined his father Ronald in the 90’s before retiring but is still a regular visitor to Endoline’s Head Office in Bedfordshire today in his role as Chairman.

Grace has now joined the family business to work within the marketing division. Prior to joining Endoline, she studied Creative Media at Cambridge Regional College, finishing with an Extended diploma.

While a family firm at heart, Endoline employs 45 people, many of whom have spent their entire careers with the Company.

“We are delighted to welcome Grace to Endoline,” comments Andrew Yates.

“As a family business we have had succession plans in place for many years, and we look forward to handing on the baton for generations to come, however we firmly believe any succession plan must not be based upon the individual’s surname, but upon their integrity, professionalism, and ability. Grace has all of these attributes in abundance, and I am confident she will help Endoline reach new audiences and amplify our messages within her marketing role.”

A business is only as good as the people employed and the product created. We are very fortunate because we are excellent in both of these areas. We have some fantastic, dedicated, loyal and hardworking employees, who are invaluable assets to the business and an extension to our family.”