Sandon Global advances digital transformation with key appointments

British anilox manufacturer Sandon Global has reinforced its commitment to digital transformation with two key management appointments, positioning the company at the forefront of technological innovation in the flexographic printing industry.  

Dr Vishal Kharka and Dr Muhammad Yasir Adnan have been appointed as process technical manager and business systems manager, respectively. Together, their roles will drive Sandon Global’s adoption of Industry 4.0 and emerging Industry 5.0 technologies, integrating advanced automation with human expertise and creativity.  

Both appointments follow the successful completion of their Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects with The University of Manchester, in collaboration with Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency.  

Dr Kharka, now process technical manager, has a strong background in both industry and academia and began working with Sandon Global in 2023 as part of a KTP focused on shopfloor digitization and manufacturing process optimization. With a PhD in Manufacturing Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology and expertise in advanced manufacturing, digital machining, data capture technologies and Industry 4.0, he will lead automation and data-driven advancements in production.  

‘I’m excited to be part of an amazing team, and I look forward to bringing my skills and experience to help drive innovation and operational excellence in this new role. Digitizing the shopfloor will enhance efficiency and make a real difference in manufacturing,’ commented Dr Kharka.  

Dr Adnan, known as ‘Adi’ to colleagues, has been appointed business systems manager. He has worked with Sandon Global since 2022 as a smart data-driven business management engineer in a KTP that focused on business process analysis for industry 4.0 implementation and data capture and analysis from manufacturing machinery. Holding a Master’s in Computer Engineering and a PhD in Computer Science, he brings a wealth of expertise in business intelligence and data-driven manufacturing. His new role will lead Sandon Global’s digital transformation, focusing on automation, human-centric innovation, sustainability, and resilience.  

Dr Adnan added: ‘I’m excited to share how our data-driven approach will transform manufacturing processes. By harnessing AI, ML, and IoT technologies, we’re integrating real-time data into every phase of production - enabling us to predict maintenance needs, minimise downtime, and elevate product quality. This strategic shift will drive operational efficiency and innovation, setting the stage for sustainable, agile growth in today’s fast-paced industrial environment.’ 

Sandon Global’s managing director, Richard Millington, said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Vishal and Adi into their new roles. Both are highly qualified, and their scientific knowledge and technical expertise has already contributed significantly to our business through KTPs, and we’re looking forward to seeing them drive further innovation. Our investment in Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 initiatives will increase our productivity, agility, and enhance our product portfolio, ensuring we continue to serve our flexo customers well into the future.’ 

Sandon Global’s KTPs with leading institutions, including the University of Manchester and Liverpool John Moores University, have embedded expertise in surface engineering, laser engineering, data-driven engineering, and digital manufacturing. These initiatives ensure the company remains at the forefront of anilox science, technology and innovation.