Banelec Managing Director Dean Banner has highlighted the growing sophistication of industrial automation and the importance of practical engineering expertise following a visit to MachineBuilding.Live 2026, one of the UK’s leading events dedicated to machine building and systems integration Held at the NAEC Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on 14 October, the event brought together more than 200 solution suppliers, showcasing over 1,000 innovations spanning robotics, electrical control systems, machine safety, industrial networking and intelligent manufacturing technologies.
For Banelec, a specialist in electrical control systems, automation integration and engineering maintenance, the exhibition offered an opportunity to examine emerging technologies and consider their application across the company’s diverse industrial customer base. Dean Banner, Managing Director of Banelec, said the event demonstrated the pace at which automation technology continues to develop.
“MachineBuilding.Live is a valuable opportunity to see where the industry is heading and speak directly with the people developing the technologies that will influence manufacturing over the coming years.
“There’s a tremendous amount of innovation taking place, particularly around robotics, intelligent control systems and industrial connectivity. From our perspective, the interesting question is always how these developments can be applied practically to improve a customer’s operation.”
The exhibition’s technical programme explored several subjects of particular relevance to Banelec’s engineering activities, including machine-centric robotics, cabinet-free automation and the forthcoming EU Machinery Regulation, which takes effect in January 2027. Industrial cybersecurity also featured prominently, reflecting the increasing connectivity of modern manufacturing equipment and the responsibilities facing machine builders and systems integrators.
Banner believes these developments are encouraging manufacturers to consider automation as part of a broader, long-term approach to operational improvement.
“Customers are increasingly interested in understanding how their machinery communicates, how effectively their processes are controlled and where improvements can be made to productivity and reliability. “Much of our work involves getting to know an existing operation, understanding the engineering challenges and developing a solution that works within the realities of that particular manufacturing environment. The technology is advancing rapidly, and good systems integration is what turns that innovation into something genuinely useful.”
Among the technologies attracting attention at this year’s event were developments in industrial networking, including IO-Link communications, alongside advances in PLC control, machine vision and intelligent motor management. The exhibition also examined Machine-as-a-Service, an emerging commercial model through which manufacturers can access equipment and automation capabilities through service-based agreements.
For Banner, the breadth of technologies on display reinforced the importance of maintaining close relationships with equipment manufacturers and technology suppliers.
“One of the advantages of attending an event like this is the opportunity to have detailed technical conversations with suppliers and explore different approaches to solving engineering problems. “Every manufacturing facility has its own requirements. Sometimes the answer involves introducing new automation, while other projects benefit from upgrading an existing control system or improving the way equipment operates together.”
“Our role is to bring that engineering knowledge together and help customers make informed decisions about their machinery and production processes.”
With extensive experience delivering electrical control systems and automation solutions for industrial applications, Banelec continues to work with manufacturers seeking improvements in production efficiency, equipment reliability and machine performance. Banner concluded that the exhibition offered an encouraging perspective on the capabilities available to British industry.
“There’s considerable engineering talent across the UK, and events like MachineBuilding.Live demonstrate the strength of the businesses developing and applying these technologies.
“British manufacturers have some excellent opportunities to improve productivity through automation. For companies like Banelec, it’s an exciting time to be involved, particularly as the technology becomes more capable and the possibilities for applying it continue to expand.”