Exporting opportunity for UK glass industry is clear

摘要

The UK's glass industry is changing as the country adapts to stricter environmental regulations and innovation stemming from Industry 4.0-the’fourth industrial revolution’that integrates and leverages computerised,interconnected and automated production processes in manufacturing-into our factories.Preparing for change requires investing in the future,and while innovation is crucial for a company's future,it amounts to nothing if you haven't sourced the customer base to match.An opportunity that is often missed is to source new customers from overseas.Through expanding to new markets and new customer bases,new revenue streams can help to diversify business and make it more resilient to fluctuations in the domestic business climate.Additionally,exposure to new markets can attract new skills and innovation,having an impact on long-term competitive advantage and stability.High-volume glass manufacturing contributes around ￡1.3 billion to the UK economy each year,and specialist glass manufacturers on British shores are developing innovative glass for use in medical,communications,navigational and power generation technology.