Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to spend time with some of our customers, including Harting UK, Kautex Unipart, Bifrangi UK, and Mitsubishi. Seeing their operations up close gave us fresh insight into the way manufacturers are adapting to current challenges. One thing was clear across every visit. Automation is being used not just to improve efficiency but as a deliberate strategy to strengthen quality, reduce risk and future-proof their businesses.
Harting UK
Our visit to Harting UK showed us a business already deep into its journey toward Industry 4.0. Known for their industrial connectivity solutions, Harting is embracing smart manufacturing in a very real way.
We saw how they are using robotic systems and automated inspection processes throughout their connector assembly lines. These aren’t bolt-on features. They’re carefully integrated to improve throughput, ensure repeatability and drive quality. What impressed us was the clear connection between their automation investments and their long-term goals. This is a business planning for the future while staying committed to precision and reliability in the present.
Kautex Unipart
At Kautex Unipart, we saw a different focus. Their production lines are high-volume and fast-paced, which brings its own challenges. Here, automation is being used to reduce manual handling and repetitive strain while maintaining output.
What stood out was how they’ve combined automation with lean manufacturing principles. It’s not just about introducing technology. It’s about doing it in a way that improves the working environment and supports the team. Safety, ergonomics and efficiency are all getting equal attention. This is something we believe in strongly at ALPHR, and it was encouraging to see it put into practice so effectively.
Bifrangi UK
Visiting Bifrangi UK gave us a look at how heavy engineering is also changing. Bifrangi’s forging capabilities are impressive on their own, but their efforts to modernise inspection and grinding processes were just as noteworthy.
Automated inspection using vision systems and sensors is helping them hit tight tolerances while reducing variability. At the same time, automating the grinding process is making a real difference to both output and safety. This part of the process is traditionally tough on operators. Automating it not only speeds things up but also creates a safer environment for the team. It was a clear example of innovation in action, even in the most industrial settings.
Mitsubishi
At Mitsubishi, our focus was on leak testing. This is an essential step in quality control and one that has traditionally involved a lot of manual work. The team is now exploring automation to streamline the process and improve accuracy.
What impressed us most was the level of thought behind the shift. Mitsubishi is not just adopting automation for speed. They’re using it to gather better data, reduce human error and ensure consistency at scale. It’s a methodical approach that looks at long-term value, not just short-term gains. These are the kinds of conversations we really enjoy, where the technology is part of a bigger plan.
Why We Do What We Do
Automation is not about removing people from the process. It is about giving teams better tools, building safer workspaces and creating production systems that can handle whatever comes next.
At ALPHR, we believe the best results come from collaboration. We do not sell off-the-shelf solutions. We work closely with every customer to understand their challenges and design systems that deliver long-term value. That is what sets us apart, and that is why we continue to be trusted partners in this space.
