Robert Cowan has joined leading Durham-based business and IT consultancy Waterstons as the new lead consultant for manufacturing.
The new appointment enhances Waterstons’ offer to manufacturing companies in the North East and across the UK by providing a service that will help businesses realise the benefits of an integrated manufacturing line and give expert guidance on how innovative technologies and processes can add value.
With over 40 years’ experience and an in-depth knowledge of the UK manufacturing industry, Robert joins Waterstons Durham office from the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) where he worked for 11 years. At SMAS, Robert managed the West of Scotland team which delivered over £11m added value annually, generated from projects dedicated to helping a range of manufacturing companies prepare for and integrate Industry 4.0.
In his new role, Robert will provide expert guidance to Waterstons’ customers looking to make sense of Industry 4.0, and help businesses integrate traditional manufacturing processes with current and future digital technologies.
Robert said: “Waterstons shares my vision to drive positive change within the UK manufacturing industry by enabling businesses to reap the benefits of Industry 4.0. Over the past two years there’s been a growing focus on utilising new technology such as cyber systems, automation, AI and VR as well as intelligent data capture and analysis, to work as part of a cohesive system to transform production processes and increase productivity and efficiencies.
“With my manufacturing expertise and Waterstons broad delivery capability, we hope to engage the UK’s manufacturing businesses on the value of these progressive technologies and sift through the buzzwords to deliver real business outcomes including production line efficiencies and increased profits.”
Waterstons CEO Susan Bell, said: “It’s my pleasure to welcome Robert to Waterstons. We’re an ambitious company with the capability to support our customers through innovative technology and process improvements. We’re confident that with Robert’s exceptional manufacturing industry knowledge combined with our IT expertise, we provide a strong offer to help businesses realise Industry 4.0 and integrate the right solutions for them.”