Production and Scaling – Applying Manufacturing Principles for Agri-tech Impact
How efficient is your agri-food business? Are you operating at scale and looking to integrate new solutions? Or are you looking to grow – in all senses of the word – and are looking to embed a fresh mindset inspired by what works in other sectors.
We’ll be hearing from experts across the sector about skills, supply chains and some war stories, and discussing topics including:
- Changing mindsets to taking a “lean manufacturing” approach to farm production
- Does Mother Nature operate a “Design, Build, Test” approach?
- Go big or go home - successful scaling in the agri-food sector
Join Agri-TechE in partnership with our member, The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), to get a first-hand look at cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and their potential applications in farming and horticulture.
Highlights include a tour of MTC's demonstration facilities and a discussion on bridging the gap between these two vital sectors.
Why Attend
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See innovative technologies in action, including large-scale 3D printing, lasers, ‘factory-in-a-box’ solutions, and autonomous systems.
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Consider how manufacturing principles such as intelligent automation and process optimisation could tackle agricultural challenges while maintaining quality and reducing operational costs.
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Participate in a forward-thinking discussion on integrating manufacturing techniques into farming practices to enhance efficiency and quality.
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Network with leading professionals from agriculture and manufacturing.
About the Manufacturing Technology Centre
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) was established to prove innovative manufacturing processes and technologies in an agile environment, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.
With expertise in robotics, intelligent automation, 3D printing, and advanced metrology, the MTC helps industries adopt disruptive technologies to streamline processes and boost performance. From robots that detect crop diseases to automation reducing waste and costs, their solutions are shaping sustainable farming futures.
Cost
Member discount applies for Agri-TechE member organisation depending on your tier (including students and staff of universities). Members need to login or register for an account to access the member discount.
Event price for non-members is £50 (ex VAT).
Learn more about the benefits of Agri-TechE membership.
Agenda
Jonathan Gill is a highly accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in agri-tech and automated systems. He holds a BEng (Hons) in Automated Systems and Innovation and has a proven track record of successfully delivering innovative projects such as the ‘Hands Free Hectare’. His expertise spans mechanical and electrical integration, agri-technology, engineering design, project management, and drone operation. Currently, Jonathan is the Director of Agronomic Digital Innovation Ltd, providing consultancy services in drone technology and digital agriculture, while also working as a specialist consultant at Airbus on robotic systems.
Prior to his current roles, Jonathan served as the Global Technology Applications Specialist at UPL , where he implemented a number of digital technologies across the research farms, focusing on drone and autonomous vehicle applications. He developed comprehensive drone spraying methodologies, authored standard operating procedures for chemical applications, and established chemical prioritization strategies. His work has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive innovation and integrate cutting-edge technologies within the agricultural sector, showcasing his strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
In this discussion we'll cover:
- Changing mindsets to taking a “lean manufacturing” approach to farm production
- Does Mother Nature operate a “Design, Build, Test” approach?
- Go big or go home - successful scaling in the agri-food sector
You'll embark on a tour of the MTC's main workshop, showcasing cutting-edge technologies across various disciplines and industries.
Highlights include witnessing one of only two braiding machines in the world, observing a powerful 20kW laser, exploring our fully automated factory housed in a shipping container, and seeing one of Europe's largest 3D printers, working on the circular economy of plastics.
The tour will demonstrate the art of the possible with emerging technologies and illustrate how automation, robotics, and digitalization are seamlessly integrated throughout the workshop.
We hope it will inspire you!