Rubix launches health check for Europe’s manufacturing sector

Europe’s manufacturing sector, a cornerstone of the continent’s economic vitality, has a new diagnostic tool for assessing its operational health: the Uptime Index. Developed by Rubix, a leading distributor of industrial products and services, this index offers a strategic overview of how well-equipped manufacturers are to sustain continuous operations across the European landscape.

In June 2025, Rubix published its first Uptime Index score, assigning a value of 74 out of 100 to the region’s manufacturing industry. This relatively high score suggests a broad sense of confidence among European manufacturers, yet it also uncovers areas needing urgent attention. The primary aim is to help factories evaluate how resilience, efficiency, and strategic planning intersect to sustain performance amid modern pressures.

Predictive maintenance reveals a growing divide

One of the most significant insights from the Uptime Index is the industry’s uneven adoption of predictive maintenance. While most businesses show a strong understanding of general maintenance needs, there remains a noticeable hesitancy in implementing predictive solutions. This is striking given the data: predictive maintenance technologies are projected to grow to over $80 billion globally by 2033, driven by artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

This divide matters. Manufacturers that have not embraced predictive systems face increased exposure to costly unplanned downtime. For instance, in the automotive sector alone, downtime can cost up to $695 million annually for major plants. In contrast, those using predictive tools are more likely to prevent failures before they occur, improve uptime, and reduce maintenance costs. The index shows that readiness for this technological leap is still far from universal.

The UK and Ireland mirror broader trends with sharper pain points

Local findings from 395 businesses in the UK and Ireland align closely with the European average but also highlight distinct concerns. While a solid grasp of maintenance requirements remains a strength, there is a stark drop in confidence regarding skilled labor availability. The skills gap is not theoretical. As of late 2024, there were more than 61,000 manufacturing vacancies in the UK, a result of an aging workforce and insufficient training pipelines.

This shortage restricts the region’s ability to adopt new technologies and maintain consistent output. Without urgent interventions in training and recruitment, the UK and Ireland risk falling behind. National responses, such as the UK government’s £275 million technical training initiative, signal awareness, but execution and long-term planning will be critical.

Systems integration is the next frontier in resilience

Another recurring theme in the index results is the disconnect between operational functions such as procurement, inventory management, and maintenance. Manufacturers across Europe cite integration between these areas as a key priority. Fragmented systems slow down decision-making and create bottlenecks that hinder agility.

Joining up these internal functions will be a cornerstone of future resilience. Integrated systems enable more precise forecasting, smoother workflows, and clearer visibility into resource use. They also support data-driven decision-making across departments, improving operational cohesion.

Rubix has positioned itself not only as a supplier but also as a strategic partner helping manufacturers close capability gaps. By launching the Uptime Index, the company is establishing a feedback loop for the industry to better understand and address its evolving needs. Future whitepapers will offer in-depth insight, drawing on customer interviews and site-level data to explain the dynamics behind performance trends.

The first whitepaper, “Moving in sync: How seamless coordination drives Uptime,” explores the challenges of aligning central decisions with on-site execution. It emphasizes the need for better coordination and outlines actionable strategies for manufacturers aiming to improve their operational health.

Sources:
Rubix Press Release