Fliweel.tech at Silverstone Manufacturing Forum

“Digital transformation is no longer optional, it’s a survival imperative for manufacturing.” That was the opening line of Fliweel.tech’s keynote at the recent Northamptonshire Manufacturing Forum held at Silverstone Park, in partnership with the University of Northampton, MAKE UK, and the South Midlands Growth Hub.

Forum Background & Partnerships

The Manufacturing Forum was part of the Fuelling Innovation initiative led by the University of Northampton, hosted at Silverstone Park, and organised alongside the South Midlands Growth Hub.

At the event, MAKE UK and other industry stakeholders provided insights into how modern manufacturing can adopt digital and AI-driven systems.

Fliweel.tech was invited to speak on how AI and automation can reduce costs, enhance efficiencies, and future-proof operations.

What Fliweel.tech Presented

During the forum, Fliweel’s founder, Andy Paul delivered a talk titled “AI & Automation in Manufacturing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Implementation”.

Key messages included:

• Balancing innovation with responsibility: Using AI in a way that improves processes without embedding algorithmic bias or disrupting workforce trust.

• Pilot before scale: Launch small use cases (e.g. predictive maintenance) before full rollout to validate outcomes.

• Data governance matters: Ensuring data quality, transparency, and auditability are built into AI systems from day one.

• Collaboration & ecosystem: Encouraging manufacturers to partner with technology providers, academia, and support hubs (like MAKE UK and Growth Hubs) for shared learning.

Why This Forum Matters

• Local relevance: The event focused on Northamptonshire manufacturers and tech firms, connecting them with national programmes like Made Smarter East Midlands and digital adoption grants.

• Access to support: Participants learned about funded support schemes and how to qualify for them.

• Peer learning: Manufacturers shared real stories of transformation, enabling others to see what succeeds (and what fails) in practice.

What This Signals for Manufacturers

1. AI is accelerating in manufacturing — it’s no longer a “nice-to-have” but increasingly essential for competitiveness.

2. Ethics and governance can’t be afterthoughts — vendors and manufacturers must plan them from the start.

3. Ecosystem support is key — forums like this, backed by universities and growth hubs, are crucial to bridging the gap.

If your manufacturing business is curious about how AI, automation, and ethical design can transform your operations, reach out to Fliweel.tech. We’d be glad to explore a pilot or consultation to see what’s possible in your factory.