Forging the Future: How Young Entrepreneurs Are Breathing New Life into the Manufacturing Industry
Post-WW2 industrialisation is frequently idealised. The raw functionality and honesty of brutalist architecture, the behemoth of machinery which demanded tense admiration, the roaring furnaces that symbolised hope for economic recovery – all signifiers of the world becoming rapidly mechanised and metal manufacturing becoming the demi-god in this domain piloted by seasoned veterans. In a natural step forward, however, modern industrialised sectors are shifting to embrace new technology, robotics, and automation solutions, in the UK’s case - without fully addressing the sharp pitfalls that derived along the way. So, the critical issue which may seem like the most challenging, but we, as part of the young entrepreneurial blood which entered the industry, can make a real difference in - aims at bridging the gap between our inherited deep-rooted reverence of manufacturing heritage and the transition into the new leap of automated industrialisation.
Kvaerner shipbuilding yard, on the River Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland, 1996. Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert Photographic Archive.
It will only be fair to start with a quick love letter to the Auld Yins. If you ever find yourself in an engineering or any other active production workshop, there will most certainly be an ‘auld yin’ with his wealth of knowledge towering above anyone else’s. They are usually near or beyond the retirement age, but are there out of love for their trade as well as to keep out of their wife’s way in some cases, but the fundamental element that usually separates them from the rest is their motivation for wanting to be there machining a part down to a fraction of a millimetre without the need to measure or drafting and cutting a sheet of metal with shears without the need for CNC. Despite their confidence in the skill of their hands and minds, the AI and robotic-driven age can pose an immediate setback, and it is detrimental for companies that are heavily relying on their expertise. There is a major disconnect between the generation that helped build these businesses and the very few young people who are just picking up the trade. Was this rocket of rapid digitisation launched too fast, incinerating the prospect of a smooth transition from the knowledge of the older generation to the new blood coming in? Has the industry been too proud of its past and long-gone achievements and failed to integrate the ‘in-between’ generation that could’ve been an answer to the staffing issue, which is immanently bringing the whole giant to its knees?
There is a further variable, which is that the present demands facing businesses are measurably more existential. The volatile state of the economy is undeniable. Those who suggest working within this uncertain flow through prioritising and profiting on projects that will evidently have limited life spans are playing the short game and are part of the problem. The business of the future is a business that invests in the future, will work for everyone, and stands for the betterment of society as a whole. After all, every modern company should have a human reason for its incorporation and a long-term plan rooted in altruism. The simplest way to ensure this is to produce good quality, long-lasting work. We’ve seen the swing of the pendulum taking the largest companies out, exposing these issues. It also shows how the sector, which is fragmented and based primarily on individualistic accomplishments, has a short lifespan. This poses a challenge of bringing all the pieces of the industry together and working collectively to get the UK back to the world stage of manufacturing by introducing innovations which will establish a more significant level of security and business survival. It is an unnecessary hurdle for young entrepreneurs to manoeuvre these sharp turns while, at times, not being fully embraced by a well-connected and well-established industry.
It is undeniable that this new generation of young businesspeople is stepping into this well-established field, bringing fresh ideas, modern technology, and a bold new outlook. Despite challenges like scepticism from entrenched players and the need to navigate a profoundly traditional space, these trailblazers are proving that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand. It is time to embrace the young blood. Even though, at first, they might seem like competition, the amalgamation of tradition and modernism is what will re-animate UK manufacturing and let the investors feel more secure about the health and capabilities of our industry.
One of the brightest case studies flourishing before us is Germany — the “engine of Europe” and a prime example of how young, innovative companies and well-established industries can thrive together. Known for its strong industrial base, particularly in fields like metal manufacturing, automotive, and engineering, Germany combines its legacy of precision and quality with a forward-thinking entrepreneurial spirit.
Here are some stats for you:
According to the 2023 Startup Monitor report, Germany had over 6,200 active startups, with nearly 20% focused on industrial technology (including metal manufacturing, engineering, and Industry 4.0 solutions)
About 48% of startup founders in Germany are under the age of 35, indicating a strong presence of young entrepreneurs in traditionally older industries.
Over 70% of German startups engage in partnerships with larger, established firms.
A significant proportion of these startups specialise in industrial applications, leveraging technologies such as IoT, robotic automation, and artificial intelligence to modernise traditional manufacturing practices.
Germany’s collaborative approach serves as a model for other nations. By fostering partnerships between young entrepreneurs and legacy industries, the country has managed to modernise without losing its industrial heritage. The key is building an infrastructure of collaboration, encouraging mentorship between veteran companies and startups, and offering government-backed incentives for joint ventures.
CAD 3D modelling for an aluminium end cap intercooler. The Ritual Works. 2024
There is no disputing that within the industry, the tides are shifting. Plenty of veteran companies and professionals recognise that the future of manufacturing depends on welcoming fresh technologies, perspectives and, most of all - people. They understand that newcomers bring more than just enthusiasm - they bring solutions. Future-focused enterprises are not only embracing automation, with the best example in the metal industry being the fast-emerging robotic welding, but also introducing innovative manufacturing methods, such as additive manufacturing (3D printing) and CNC machining, to create complex prototypes and custom components with reduced material waste, transforming how production efficiency is measured. Sheet metal manufacturing that The Ritual Works specialises in has also gone through significant innovations, reducing human error through automation. The use of ever-evolving CAD softwares prior to manufacturing allows fabricators to eliminate lengthy prototyping and material wastage. It ensures precision manufacturing at incredibly advanced levels, especially in high-quantity productions, even with slight variations in products. Sophisticated press-brake technology lets the products be folded efficiently with minimal tolerances, and the reduction in set-up time can be considered a shining example of lean manufacturing. Sustainability is also at the forefront, with new entrants prioritising recycled materials and investing in low-emission furnaces, aligning manufacturing practices with the UK’s net-zero goals. These advancements are not only enhancing productivity but also reshaping the perception of metal manufacturing as a future-focused industry.
Government backing and the part it can play in accelerating the embracement of these new practices is the base that holds it all together. We know the importance of innovation now; it’s time to advance our growth and keep up with the industry leaders by injecting a healthy dose of collaboration in order to re-animate this beast. Emerging entrepreneurs need to be given a better chance at mentoring young talent, investing in innovative startups, and fostering an environment where ideas from all generations can coexist. We need trades to be introduced at school levels again - dropping the stigma of learning a physical skill being the last option for a young person. We need to leverage on creating a sense of community and a supportive environment in every workplace - a sense that is still missing in a lot of young people’s homes and the workplaces can add to their lives as well as their confidence and sense of self - not take anything away from it.
If you were to ask any auld yin today what made them stand in front of this lathe or pick up this welding torch in the first place, most of them would say it was the sense of brotherhood, the banter and a feeling of accomplishment - all things that are missing in young people’s lives. We believe it is not a far-fetched statement to say that the willingness of veteran companies to mentor and collaborate with younger professionals, as well as creating more inclusive environments within company organisation, will benefit everyone, from suppliers and manufacturers to customers and end-users. There are grounds for creating a culture of shared success. Trade organisations, industry events, and innovation-focused initiatives are becoming spaces where generations meet, exchange knowledge, and spark collaborations that might not have seemed possible before. It is our duty now to advocate for the government to create more opportunities and support emerging companies.