From controls to robotics

Across the UK, manufacturers face increasing pressure. Skills shortages, rising operational costs, global competition and ever-higher customer expectations are forcing businesses to rethink how they operate. Yet for many organisations, the challenge is not recognising the need for automation- it is knowing where to begin.

This is where Total Automated Solutions has established itself as a recognised thought leader in automation, controls and industrial transformation.

The Yorkshire-based engineering specialist has built its reputation on delivering practical, commercially focused automation solutions that bridge the gap between ambition and implementation. Rather than simply supplying technology, the company works alongside manufacturers to develop intelligent strategies that unlock long-term operational performance.

At the heart of its philosophy is a simple belief: automation should serve business objectives, not the other way around.

More than automation

While robotics often captures the headlines, Total Automated Solutions views automation as a much broader discipline. The company's expertise spans industrial control systems, robotics, machine safety, variable speed drives, motion control, digital manufacturing, energy optimisation and integrated engineering solutions.

This holistic approach allows customers to address multiple operational challenges through a single strategic partner. "Manufacturers are increasingly looking for integrated solutions rather than standalone products," explains Rob Iwanuschak, Managing Director at Total Automated Solutions. "The most successful projects are those that combine controls, safety, automation and operational insight into one cohesive system."

From upgrading ageing control infrastructure to deploying collaborative robots and fully integrated production cells, the company helps organisations modernise with confidence.

The rise of intelligent manufacturing

The conversation around Industry 4.0 has matured significantly over the past decade. What was once considered future technology is now becoming an operational necessity. Manufacturers are increasingly seeking greater visibility of their processes, more efficient use of resources and improved production agility. Intelligent automation provides the foundation for achieving these objectives.

Total Automated Solutions has become a trusted advisor in helping businesses navigate this transition. By combining advanced control technologies with real-world engineering experience, the company enables manufacturers to improve productivity, reduce waste, enhance quality and strengthen operational resilience.

Importantly, these improvements are not reserved for large multinational corporations.

Many of the company's projects involve small and medium-sized manufacturers looking to achieve meaningful gains through carefully targeted automation investments.

The TAS.1 Portal provides customers with a powerful digital window into their operations, delivering real-time visibility of system performance, operational status and key asset data. Accessible securely from any location, the platform enables engineering teams and managers to make faster, better- informed decisions while supporting predictive maintenance and continuous improvement.

More than a monitoring tool, TAS.1 transforms data into operational intelligence, helping businesses maximise uptime, efficiency and long-term performance.

Making robotics accessible

One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the democratisation of robotics. Advances in robotic technology have dramatically reduced barriers to entry, making automation more accessible than ever before.

"Recognising that many businesses remain cautious about making significant capital investments, Here at Total Automated Solutions we have pioneered practical proof-of-concept programmes and robot hire initiatives that allow manufacturers to evaluate automation within their own production environments," highlights Kevin Chapman, Commercial Director.

This evidence-based approach removes uncertainty from investment decisions.

Instead of relying on theoretical calculations, customers can see measurable performance improvements, quantify return on investment and build confidence throughout their organisation. The result is a more informed, strategic route to automation adoption.

Investing in people

While technology continues to evolve, Total Automated Solutions believes that people remain the most important component of every successful engineering business. Nowhere is this commitment more visible than through the company's investment in apprenticeships and workforce development.

"At a time when many sectors face acute skills shortages, the robust plan at Total Automated Solutions is in actively helping to develop the next generation of engineers," maintains Ben Woolveridge, Operations Director.

Its apprenticeship programme provides young professionals with hands-on experience across automation, controls, electrical engineering and industrial technologies, supported by experienced engineers who pass on decades of industry knowledge.

The approach reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening the UK's engineering capability. For apprentices, the opportunity extends far beyond technical training. They gain exposure to real customer projects, emerging technologies and practical problem-solving in demanding industrial environments. For customers, this investment ensures access to a future workforce equipped with the skills required to support increasingly sophisticated manufacturing systems.

Supporting those who serve

Investment in people extends beyond apprenticeships and technical training. Total Automated Solutions is proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating its commitment to supporting serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families. This commitment was further recognised through the company's achievement of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.

The values developed through military service - leadership, discipline, adaptability and teamwork - are qualities that align naturally with the demands of modern engineering and manufacturing environments.

The business actively supports employees who serve as reservists, recognising the valuable skills and experiences they bring back into the workplace. It also provides opportunities for veterans and service leavers seeking to transition their technical expertise into civilian engineering careers.

For Total Automated Solutions, supporting the Armed Forces community is not simply a corporate responsibility initiative. It reflects a broader belief that organisations thrive when they invest in people from diverse backgrounds and create pathways for talent to succeed.

Combined with its apprenticeship programmes and ongoing professional development initiatives, this commitment helps ensure the company continues to build a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting the evolving needs of British industry.

Safety, sustainability and long-term value

Modern manufacturing success is measured by more than output alone. Businesses are increasingly focused on sustainability, employee wellbeing and operational resilience. Total Automated Solutions integrates these priorities into every project.

Whether improving energy efficiency through advanced drive technologies, reducing manual handling risks through robotics, or enhancing machine safety through modern control systems, the company takes a long-term view of industrial performance.

This approach aligns productivity improvements with broader business objectives, helping customers create workplaces that are safer, more sustainable and more attractive to future talent.

Shaping the next chapter of manufacturing

As UK industry enters a new phase of digital transformation, manufacturers are seeking partners capable of providing more than technical expertise.

They are looking for organisations that understand commercial realities, anticipate future challenges and help navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape.

Through its expertise in automation, controls, robotics and workforce development, Total Automated Solutions has established itself as one of those partners. Its success is built not simply on the technologies it deploys, but on its ability to help manufacturers see what is possible - and then deliver it.

In an industry defined by constant change, that combination of innovation, engineering excellence and human investment is what truly sets leaders apart. And it is why Total Automated Solutions continues to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of British manufacturing.