Driving pneumatic innovation in automation
Published: 03 March, 2025
Anthony Smith, Managing Director of Metal Work Pneumatic UK, discusses with PWE’s Aaron Blutstein the enduring role of pneumatics amid the rise of AI and robotics. With a strong focus on people, innovation, and customer collaboration, the company’s new Milton Keynes facility expands its capacity for bespoke solutions, while leveraging AI to enhance the customer experience and strengthen its people-centric approach.
In an industry defined by precision and rapid technological advancements, the pneumatics and hydraulics sector recognises the importance of its most vital asset: its people. For Anthony Smith, Managing Director of Metal Work Pneumatic UK, success lies in balancing technical expertise with a culture of collaboration and trust. As the UK subsidiary of the Italian industrial automation manufacturer Metal Work S.p.A., the company has grown into a key player in the pneumatics automation landscape, driven by a forward-thinking ethos and a commitment to customer-centred innovation.
In an open conversation, Smith shared his insights into Metal Work’s evolution, the challenges of an increasingly competitive market, and the strategic investments positioning the company for long-term success.
A strategic investment in people and place
Since its establishment in 1983, Metal Work Pneumatic UK has evolved from a modest importer of pneumatic components into a cornerstone of the Metal Work Group’s global operations. Based in Milton Keynes, the company’s purpose-built facility grew beyond its logistical roots and became a hub for bespoke systems and customer engagement.
Recent investments underscore the importance of this location. Metal Work UK is enhancing its capabilities with the development of a new facility designed to meet rising demand and solidify its role as an innovation hub. At the end of 2023 the company moved to its new premises on Featherstone Road in Milton Keynes: “Our Milton Keynes site is not just a warehouse; it’s the heart of our UK operations,” explained Managing Director Anthony Smith. “This investment will allow us to expand our offering, create more bespoke solutions, and engage with customers in entirely new ways.”
Central to this expansion is a dedicated customer engagement centre, where clients can experience the latest technologies and explore customised solutions firsthand. “Seeing is believing,” Smith said. “By creating an environment where customers can experience our capabilities up close, we’re fostering a deeper level of trust and collaboration.”
This focus on collaboration reflects Metal Work Pneumatic UK’s integral role within the larger Metal Work Group, a global enterprise with roots in Italy and a vision of growth driven by purposeful innovation. Under Smith’s stewardship, the UK operation has flourished, showcasing how strategy and ethos can align to drive meaningful impact.
Recent acquisitions further demonstrate this vision. The addition of AR Vacuum brought niche
automation expertise into the fold, extending Metal Work’s capabilities in a way that complements its existing strengths. Similarly, the acquisition of American Cylinders addressed a practical challenge: the need to better serve a US market heavily reliant on imperial measurements.
“These acquisitions aren’t about collecting trophies,” Smith emphasised. “They’re deliberate, thoughtful moves to expand our ability to serve customers in meaningful ways. AR Vacuum, for example, was already working with many of our distributors. It made perfect sense to bring that expertise under our roof. It’s about finding synergies that align with our core focus: automation and pneumatics.”
This clarity of purpose has allowed Metal Work to avoid the pitfalls of expansion for expansion’s sake. “Everything we do is measured against one question: Does this improve our ability to deliver value? If it doesn’t, it doesn’t belong.”
Thriving amid change: Brexit, logistics, and resilience
Navigating the challenges of Brexit and the pandemic tested Metal Work Pneumatic UK’s adaptability. Importing a significant volume of goods from Italy, the company faced logistical hurdles, including increased shipping times, customs complexities, and regulatory changes like UKCA marking.
Rather than faltering, the company adapted. The Milton Keynes facility became a centralised hub for all UK operations, handling everything from imports and warehousing to bespoke solutions and distribution. The company also invested in new shipping partnerships and leveraged the robust compliance systems of its parent organisation to minimise disruptions.
“This period presented significant challenges, but it also strengthened us,” Smith reflected. “The challenges forced us to refine our processes and reinforced the importance of our local facility as a pillar of our operations.”
Bespoke innovation: The heart of Metal Work Pneumatic UK
The company’s commitment to bespoke solutions is a defining feature that sets it apart in a competitive market. While larger competitors may prioritise off-the-shelf products, Metal Work focuses on tailoring its offerings to meet the specific needs of its customers.
Smith, who spearheaded the company’s systems division during his early years, described the approach as highly collaborative. “Our goal is to establish the customers’ true requirements and then work together to create a solution that fits perfectly,” he said.
A prime example is the EB 80 Valve Island, a flagship product developed in collaboration with customers. Designed to address complex operational challenges, the EB 80 integrates seamlessly into automation ecosystems while delivering precise, reliable performance. “It’s about more than just meeting needs,” Smith added. “It’s about exceeding expectations and building products that solve problems today while anticipating tomorrow’s challenges.”
Agility in a competitive landscape
Competing with industry giants, Metal Work Pneumatic UK has turned its comparative size into an advantage. Its agility allows the company to respond quickly to customer needs, adapt product designs, and offer services such as control panel build, sub-assemblies and custom kitting, which many of the industry leaders have moved away from in the UK.
“Our size enables us to listen closely to our customers and act on their ideas,” Smith noted. “Whether it’s accommodating a special request or designing a completely new system, we pride ourselves on being a partner, not just a supplier.”
This responsiveness extends beyond products. Metal Work UK provides tailored support for regulatory compliance, expedited shipments, and hands-on customer engagement, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted ally in the automation sector.
Adopting technology thoughtfully
As robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) reshape the automation landscape, Smith remains steadfast in his belief that pneumatics remains essential. “People like to predict the death of pneumatics in favour of electrics or robotics, but the reality is more nuanced., and Pneumatics remains an essential and important solution for industrial applications. That’s not going away anytime soon,” he asserted.
While acknowledging the transformative impact of AI and robotics, Smith tempered the excitement with a dose of realism. “AI and robotics are exciting, but they can be an expensive option. For many businesses, the capital investment required to implement these systems is a significant hurdle. That said, we’re seeing gradual adoption, and it’s something we’re preparing for.”
The company positions itself as both a participant in and an observer of these trends. “We’re not an AI company. We’re not designing robots. But our devices are integral to these systems. Whether it’s a robotic arm or a production line controlled by AI, our job is to ensure that our components deliver precise, reliable performance. That’s where we excel,” Smith explained.
In addition to integrating seamlessly into robotic and AI-controlled systems, the company leverages AI to enhance the customer experience through predictive tools and streamlined interfaces. “Our focus is on making technical solutions more accessible,” Smith said. “Customers want simplicity and effectiveness, and AI helps us deliver that.”
A culture built on collaboration and trust
What truly defines Metal Work Pneumatic UK is its people-first philosophy. Smith spoke passionately about creating an environment where employees feel valued and empowered. “We’re a company of people, not just products,” he said.
This ethos shapes every aspect of the business, from recruitment to retention. “When hiring, we look for attitude and initiative as much as technical skills,” Smith shared. “And we invest heavily in training to ensure our team understands not just the products but the bigger picture - how those products solve problems for our customers.”
The company’s Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement extends to its relationships with customers and employees alike. Ideas from all levels of the organisation, especially the shop floor, are welcomed and implemented to drive innovation.
Leadership and legacy
As Managing Director, Smith’s role is as much about leadership as it is about strategy. Reflecting on the challenges of his position, he pointed to the delicate balance between innovation and tradition.
“Building a new facility or acquiring a company is exciting, but at the end of the day, it’s the people who define the business. That’s the hardest and most rewarding part of leadership—finding the right people, nurturing their talents, and ensuring they align with the company’s vision.”
Smith spoke with genuine pride about the culture at Metal Work, which he described as akin to a family. “I hesitate to call us a family business because it can sound insular, but there’s a deep sense of connection here. Whether it’s the directors in Italy or the engineers on our shop floor, there’s a shared belief in what we’re doing and why it matters.”
A commitment to the future As the conversation concluded, Smith reflected on Metal Work’s broader mission: balancing innovation with authenticity, growth with integrity. “Our industry is changing, no doubt about it,” he said. “But at Metal Work, we’re not chasing trends for the sake of it. We’re grounded in what we do best: delivering high-quality, reliable solutions while fostering relationships built on trust.”
That trust, Smith emphasised, is the foundation of everything Metal Work stands for. “In an increasingly automated world, trust is what keeps us human. Whether it’s between colleagues, with customers, or even across borders within the company, trust is what drives innovation, collaboration, and success.”
Looking ahead, Metal Work Pneumatic UK remains committed to balancing growth with integrity. The new facility and customer engagement centre mark the beginning of a new chapter in its mission to deepen connections, enhance capabilities, and push the boundaries of innovation. “Our industry is evolving, and so are we,” Smith noted. “But at our core, we remain true to what defines us: delivering high-quality solutions, fostering trust, and putting people first.”
With these guiding principles, the company isn’t just adapting to a competitive and fast-moving market - it’s setting the standard for what a modern engineering company can achieve when it places trust and people at the heart of its strategy.
For further information please visit: https://www.metalwork.co.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/company/metal-work-pneumatics-uk-ltd/
Metal Work Pneumatic UK’s new Milton Keynes facility
