Technicians and engineers will play a critical role in managing parts and materials shortages in 2023. A new campaign advocates that those responsible for building and maintaining a robust supply chain are the ‘unsung heroes’ of the US manufacturing sector.

Technicians and engineers will play a critical role in managing parts and materials shortages in 2023. A new campaign advocates that those responsible for building and maintaining a robust supply chain are the ‘unsung heroes' of the US manufacturing sector.

Supply chain resiliency represents a major source of concern for manufacturers, according to the latest Deloitte study [1]. Of the executives surveyed, 72% believe the persistent shortage of critical materials and the ongoing supply chain disruptions present the most significant uncertainty for the industry in the coming year.

Parts shortages can have severe implications for manufacturing organizations in terms of downtime, lost production and lost revenue. Yet the people responsible for building and maintaining a robust supply chain, ensuring minimal unplanned stoppages, often go unrecognized.

Automation parts supplier EU Automation wants to reverse this trend. The company has launched its "Plant Hero" campaign to encourage recognition of unsung heroes within the manufacturing sector.

"We want to shine a spotlight on the role that so many people perform every day to keep the wheels of industry turning," explains Darren Halford, Managing Director of EU Automation. "This could be a plant manager, maintenance engineer, or procurement specialist: we're looking for the real problem solvers who can think on their feet to get things back up and running while others are still scratching their heads. They are the unsung heroes in our industry."

The Plant Hero digital campaign features an unassuming individual named Jeff, who is able to source a vital part quickly via EU Automation and thus earns the gratitude of his colleagues. Having witnessed Jeff's story, viewers are encouraged to nominate their own Plant Hero. EU Automation will then arrange for those nominated to receive a Plant Hero certificate with a personalized message from the person who suggested them.

Reinforcing the idea that people are central to continued business success is close to EU Automation's own ethos. "Although we work in the automation space supplying rare, reconditioned and unused parts to companies worldwide, we recognize that it is people who make the difference in our organization," says Darren Halford. "We focus on supporting our customers personally and building lasting relationships with them. Now we want to encourage our customers to give credit to the individuals within their own teams who are building the relationships that will make their company more agile and more competitive in the face of increasing supply chain challenges."

EU Automation gives customers ready access to a global supply of automation parts, ensuring that manufacturers can avoid unnecessary downtime. It provides a single source of automation components for brands including Siemens, Mitsubishi, Indramat, ABB, Fanuc, Schneider and Omron. Customers benefit from a regular point of contact, so there is always a real person at the end of the phone to help with any sourcing issues. With offices and warehouses located on all major continents, EU Automation can provide customers with as early as next-day delivery to minimize downtime.

To nominate a colleague as a Plant Hero, visit: https://www.euautomation.com/theplanthero/

Editor's Note
1. Deloitte 2023 Manufacturing Outlook: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/energy-and-resources/articles/manufacturing-industry-outlook.html

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About EU Automation
EU Automation is a global distributor of automation parts for many industries and markets and specializes in procuring essential and scarce components. EU Automation prides itself on being able to source and deliver the parts needed to keep production lines running, minimizing the impacts of unplanned downtime.
With offices in North America, the UK, Germany and Singapore, EU Automation provides a global supply network from a range of over 100 of the world's leading parts manufacturers, including Siemens, Mitsubishi and ABB.
Our world is made possible by manufacturing. Manufacturing is made possible by EU Automation.
For more information, visit: www.euautomation.com