Major appointment to target ‘autonomous robot’ opportunity for iconsys

Delivering increased productivity and cost savings for factories all over the world is the focus of iconsys’ latest strategic appointment.

 

Graham Lee has joined the UK’s leading independent system integrator as Business Development Manager and will be using his knowledge of automation and robot systems to target a £multi-million opportunity for the Telford-based company.  The former Controls Manager will be responsible for ramping up the roll-out of the company’s integration of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) that can be integrated across numerous industry sectors, including Automotive, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Food & Beverage (F&B), Medical, Logistics and Pharma sectors.

 

Multiple Blue-Chip companies have already adopted this technology and benefiting from iconsys’ holistic approach, which includes evaluating the situation, designing the tailored solution and then deployment plus life cycle maintenance to ensure the customer’s objectives are achieved.

 

“The latest industry findings show that by 2024, nearly four fifths of FMCG companies will be operating AMRs, with the logistics sector expecting them to be widespread across all distribution hubs,” explained Graham.  “These figures clearly underline the opportunity and where many sectors are heading, with the use of autonomous technology set to be used to overcome skills shortages, increase efficiencies and to support new processes on the factory floor.”  He continued: “iconsys is already leading the way, as not only are we providing AMR’s with sophisticated top modules, better still, our inhouse system software platform AMRconnect™ can integrate fleets of AMRs to high level ERP and MES business systems and industrial factory floor control systems to provide a totally integrated solution unique for all clients. AMRconnect™ also provides analytics for production feedback data that any customer can use to improve their knowledge of their own machines.  “For many years, in a consultative approach I have identified many pain points for clients and will now use this knowledge to recommend our integrated technologies to solve clients issues and requirements with innovative solutions.”

 

Graham, has deployed turn key solutions to improve automation and control systems for blue chip clients such as Muller, JLR, Mondelez, Lear and BMW for over 25 years’. With this experience, in his new role at iconsys he will be developing existing and new client relationships with an emphasis being on early-stage discussions as a consultative approach so he can use his expertise to shape new solutions, solving problems and adding value at each stage of the clients processes.  “COP26 is underlining the global need for all of us to do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint and the AMRs can deliver environmental benefits – this has already started to become a frequent part of my initial conversations,” added Graham.

 

Nick Darrall, Managing Director at iconsys, continued: “We are delighted to welcome Graham to the team and believe this appointment underlines our commitment to our 2020+ growth strategy, which aims to increase turnover to £20m in five years by encouraging industry to adopt automation and digital technology.  “The depth of Graham’s experience and a strong understanding of how our solutions can make a difference is something that will only benefit our customers in the long run.”

 

Graham’s appointment is one of 16 jobs created ahead of the official launch of iconsys’ £3m new smart building in Telford.  The company is in the final stages of its relocation to a 17,500 sq ft site on Stafford Park that will deliver a substantial increase in available manufacturing floorspace, a new technology demonstration/training area, an amphitheatre and an office of the future for agile working.

 

As part of the move, additional software, electrical and mechanical engineers have been recruited to help the company continue to provide end-to-end solutions to blue chip customers in their core sectors of automotive, construction materials, fast-moving consumer goods, food & beverage, marine, metals, pulp & paper and smart infrastructure.