Ericsson and JLR Bring Industry 4.0 to Solihull Plant
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Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull plant has become a flagship example in the adoption of industry 4.0, thanks to its collaboration with Ericsson to install the UK’s first retrofit private 5G network in a vehicle assembly facility.
The integration of automation, data analytics, and industrial IoT—relies on robust, scalable connectivity. Traditional Wi-Fi and wired networks often fall short in supporting the speed, latency, and reliability modern factories demand. Private 5G, however, offers a dedicated, secure wireless network that meets these demands head-on.
Supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the West Midlands 5G Innovation Regions programme, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is creating a blueprint for modernisation.
JLR and Ericsson’s 5G deployment
The decision to implement a private 5G network was based on operational priorities: enhancing agility, accelerating data transfer, and enabling high-performance applications. Ericsson was chosen as the technology partner, with the network operating on the n77 band (3.8–4.2 GHz).
The Solihull plant, which produces the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, presents complex challenges for wireless infrastructure. With metallic surfaces and mobile machinery, previous wireless systems struggled to maintain consistency. Ericsson’s network now delivers speeds near 900 Mbps across the site, including in previously inaccessible zones.
This deployment supports a wide range of connected technologies. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) move materials with greater precision, while vision systems perform real-time quality checks. IoT sensors monitor environmental and operational metrics, feeding data into systems designed for preventive maintenance and performance optimisation.
Integrating 5G into manufacturing
Private 5G offers the infrastructure needed for high-speed, low-latency communication between machinery, sensors, and control systems. At Solihull, this has transformed how the plant operates.
Vision systems are now capable of identifying product defects and signalling responses in real time. This shift reduces reliance on human inspection and increases precision. AGVs now move with uninterrupted navigation across the site, enhancing both safety and workflow continuity.
The deployment of IoT sensors provides visibility into temperature, humidity, vibration, and other key indicators, enabling maintenance teams to act on early warning signals. Data is analysed centrally to improve performance, reduce waste, and increase output consistency.
Enhancing efficiency and productivity
Operational gains have already emerged. Tool tracking has shifted from manual to automated, ensuring critical tools are always in the right place and properly maintained. Fault identification is now immediate, reducing production delays.
Data from connected devices is integrated into live dashboards, giving managers a comprehensive overview of plant performance. This real-time intelligence enables faster adjustments and more responsive decision-making.
The success of the Solihull deployment also makes a strong case for retrofitting. Rather than building from scratch, JLR has demonstrated how existing plants can be upgraded without disrupting production. The approach is cost-effective and scalable, providing a model for other manufacturers.
With private 5G acting as a digital backbone, JLR has introduced a level of connectivity that supports not only today’s operations but also future innovations in automation and analytics.
The Solihull project is also aligned with national goals to lead in digital manufacturing. By participating in the 5G Innovation Regions programme, JLR is contributing to UK industrial competitiveness while enhancing its own long-term resilience. In an industry where responsiveness and personalisation are increasingly critical, JLR’s investment in private 5G provides the flexibility to adapt.
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