With a Brexit deal look set to drastically impact food labelling regulations and the press’ constant coverage of the need for automation within the workplace to fill the European vacancies, many businesses are developing or considering the use of automated or ‘dark’ warehouses to help cope with the losses.

According to Quartz “Manufacturing firms, which account for 45% of all UK exports, report an increase in EU nationals leaving their companies before Brexit becomes official.”

Automation, however, isn’t just about filling the gaps in the labour market come March 2019. Now is the time for companies to take the lead in automation for a more efficient and productive workplace.

The rise of e-commerce and consumer demand has led to increased pressure on the factory floor: space, time and budget restrictions may mean that for a lot of SMEs, more bodies aren’t the simple solution. This is where automation can help.

Replacing manual label applications with industrial print and apply labelling technology offers an alternative to help keep labour costs down, improving production timescales and saving valuable space within a warehouse.

The introduction of automated print and apply labelling machines also gives employers the opportunity to upskill workers both digitally and technically to run the machines and accompanying software: making the workforce more valuable to the company, as well as improving staff retention and morale.

It’s already working for many companies across the UK. Lubna Foods say they now have more time to concentrate on fulfilling their customer requirements thanks to automating their packaging systems.

If you’re already on board or are preparing to take on packaging automation, find out more about the ICE Vulcan Print & Apply Labeller, or train up your current staff on our ICE machines and software. Get in touch on enquiries@uk.interactivecoding.com or give our team a call on 01159 640144.