UK and European industries Expected to Lose £80 billion in 2025 alone
Unplanned manufacturing downtime is fast becoming one of the most costly challenges facing UK and European industries. According to new research by IDS-INDATA, manufacturers are expected to lose over £80 billion in 2025 alone due to unscheduled stoppages.
Over the past three years, more than 80% of industrial businesses have faced unplanned downtime, with each incident lasting an average of four hours.
The automotive sector could see losses of up to £12 billion, while the pharmaceutical industry faces shutdown costs ranging between £500 million and £1 billion. These figures highlight the urgent need for businesses to act now to protect their operations and improve long-term resilience.
The Hidden Cost of Downtime
While much of the focus has been on ageing machinery, outdated operational technology (OT), and cyber threats, there’s another critical but often overlooked cause of downtime: gas-related incidents.
A single undetected gas leak can bring production to a halt, damage equipment, put lives at risk, and trigger costly evacuations. Even small exposures to toxic or combustible gases can cause delays, requiring investigation, ventilation, and safety checks before operations can resume.
Why rely on a Gas Detector?
Modern gas detection systems offer continuous, real-time monitoring for multiple gases, ensuring that even the smallest changes in air quality are quickly identified. They can alert teams before conditions become hazardous, providing crucial time to respond and prevent incidents. Many systems also integrate seamlessly with wider plant safety controls, enabling automatic shutdowns or ventilation if needed. Additionally, advanced technology helps reduce false alarms, minimising unnecessary stoppages. By identifying threats early, gas detectors help prevent minor issues from escalating into costly emergencies, ultimately protecting both people, productivity and avoiding downtime.
Choosing the Right Gas Detection Solution
At Rockall Safety, we specialise in fixed and portable gas detection systems tailored to your industry and application. We partner with some of the world’s most trusted manufacturers, including Honeywell, Dräger, Blackline Safety, Crowcon, Teledyne and MSA.
We are proud to be the UK’s largest reseller of Honeywell portable gas detectors and were recently named ‘UK’s Best Gas Detection and Safety Equipment Specialists of 2025.’ We don’t stop at gas detection. Our extensive range of safety equipment includes harnesses, tripods, hazmat suits, breathing apparatus, and much more, ensuring comprehensive protection for every situation.
Get in touch today for expert advice, site surveys, or product recommendations to keep your operations running safely and efficiently.
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