Bristol, UK, May 11, 2026: Q5D Technologies (Q5D), the specialist in robotic automation of wiring harness manufacture, has announced the appointment of Gary Johnson to its Board of Directors. Q5D is pioneering a new class of five‑axis robotic cells that automate the routing, laying and termination of wiring directly onto both flat substrates and complex 3D surfaces, transforming how products are electrified in sectors such as automotive and aerospace.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered near Bristol, UK, Q5D has developed a family of robotic platforms that integrate multi‑tool end effectors and a fully digital software chain from CAD through to factory systems. By automating what has traditionally been a labour‑intensive manual wiring harness process, Q5D helps manufacturers cut wiring labour, reduce errors, save space and weight, and onshore production to strengthen supply chains.
Gary Johnson joins the Q5D Board following a distinguished career leading large‑scale global manufacturing operations and labour affairs in the automotive industry, including responsibility for worldwide plant networks, industrial strategy and workforce engagement at Ford Motor Company. In that role he oversaw major vehicle and powertrain facilities and multi‑billion‑dollar budgets, driving quality, productivity and launch performance across multiple regions. He now applies this experience as a board‑level advisor to industrial technology businesses, focusing on data‑ and software‑driven manufacturing, automated inspection and process automation in automotive and aerospace supply chains.
His deep understanding of how OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers plan, tool and run high‑volume programmes makes him particularly valuable to Q5D’s two most important sectors: automotive and aerospace. He has first‑hand experience of the challenges of wiring complexity, labour availability, plant footprint and the need to onshore or near‑shore critical production while maintaining quality and launch discipline. Combined with his track record in building high‑performing cultures, negotiating major commercial agreements and championing innovative manufacturing technologies, this positions him to help Q5D align its product roadmap, service model and partnerships with the realities of global OEM operations.
“Gary brings a genuine OEM perspective on what it takes to industrialise new technologies across global automotive and aerospace programmes,” commented Stephen Bennington, CEO of Q5D. “He has run some of the world’s largest manufacturing operations, led major plant modernisation initiatives and understands in detail where wiring harnesses constrain productivity, localisation and product innovation. That combination of strategic insight, operational depth and people‑focused leadership will be invaluable as we scale Q5D’s automated wiring technology from pilot lines into core production for our automotive and aerospace customers.”
“I have spent my career leading large, complex manufacturing organisations through change – from new vehicle launches and global plant modernisation to working with unions and suppliers to build high‑performing operations,” said Gary Johnson. “In both automotive and aerospace, wiring harnesses have become a bottleneck: they are labour‑intensive, difficult to onshore and a growing source of cost and risk as products become more electrified and software‑defined. Q5D’s robotic platforms tackle this problem head‑on by embedding wiring directly into structures with a fully digital toolchain, which is exactly the kind of practical innovation that helps OEMs improve quality, resilience and competitiveness at scale. I’m excited to work with Stephen and the team to help integrate this technology into mainstream automotive and aerospace programmes around the world, where this change is now an urgent priority for many businesses.”
Q5D is already working with leading partners to industrialise its technology, including programmes focused on automating wiring for aircraft systems and automotive structures. The company continues to advance its robotic cells, including larger build volumes and higher‑speed deposition for complex harnesses such as vehicle interiors and drone structures.
More information on Q5D’s wiring automation technology can be found here.
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About Q5D
Based in Bristol, UK, Q5D manufactures five-axis robotic platforms. These automate the installation of electrical wiring into products, eliminating the need for conventional wiring harnesses. The processes reduce cost, weight, and complexity in automotive, aerospace, and consumer products. They boost manufacturing productivity by up to 10X, improve product reliability, and simplify supply chains. For more information, visit
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