During the first semester of 2010, robotic equipment sales have increased for the first time since 2006, and by 55% since 2009. According to BARA, sales to Food & Drink companies have increased by 172% since 2006, and this is now an important area of robotic applications in the United Kingdom. A further increase is expected during the second semester, as more businesses in this sector seek to bridge the productivity gap with their European competitors.
On the basis of the above, the British Food and Drink Federation (FDF) estimates that, despite the negative economic situation, the Food and Drink industry will continue to make significant investments in new factories and in the increase of productivity.
The example of Greece verifies the predictions
During 2010, ZENON AUTOMATIONS SAICT, now a subsidiary of the THEODOROU Group of Companies, undertook and completed important robotic palletizing and robotic handling projects for new and existing clients: AGNO DAIRY S.A., MEVGAL S.A., VIVARTIA S.A., TASTY FOODS S.A., KARAMOLEGOS S.A., LA.VE. S.A., ASPIS S.A., DOW HELLAS S.A., SYNGENTA, and others.