THE PROGRAMME showcases new technology that is readily available to UK manufacturers, helping them to understand the potential adopting such technology can bring to their operation, as well as when to adopt it and how to implement it to best effect.

The Knowledge Hubs initiative will have dedicated stands across the event, each focusing on a particular type of technology including Automation and Robotics, Sustainable Solutions, Additive Manufacturing, Consumable Tooling, and Data and Artificial Intelligence.

In recognition of the importance being placed on these hubs, each is being managed by one of the specialist centres from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, such as the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

The Catapult network is recognised for the cutting-edge research and development work being conducted at its various centres. The network collaborates with thousands of innovative businesses across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, space, health, digital, energy, transport, telecoms, the urban environment and many others.

Greater adoption

The MTA, which organises the MACH event on behalf of the engineering-based manufacturing community, has been campaigning for greater adoption of new technology for some time. It will expand upon this at MACH 2024, which opens its doors at the NEC in Birmingham on 15th April, by explaining that implementing proven, readily available techniques in manufacturing processes is the fastest way to boost the UK’s output.

The need for this approach was recently brought into sharp focus in a new report highlighting the UK’s lack of investment in technology and its poor adoption of robotics in industry. The figures, from the International Federation of Robotics, showed the UK languishing outside the top 20 developed nations in terms of the global utilisation of industrial robots in manufacturing – lagging not just behind the economic superpowers, but also the likes of Spain and Finland.

The Automation and Robotics Knowledge Hub will showcase how easily the technology can be adopted into existing manufacturing operations, automating repeatable processes, improving accuracy and consistency, and reducing repetitive and monotonous tasks. 

The Sustainable Solutions Knowledge Hub, sponsored by Lloyds Bank, will guide manufacturers on how investing in energy efficient technology now, backed by government incentives, can help offset energy cost increases, improve business fitness for the future and help balance the ‘cost of doing business’.

Expert advice

The Additive Manufacturing Knowledge Hub is designed to help visitors looking to learn how to develop, adopt and use additive manufacturing and 3D printing technology in their manufacturing processes. Expert advice and wayfinding will be on offer from AM-UK on how to utilise the technology for making production parts and products directly from design data – building accurate components by adding layers of material to obtain the final shape with minimal waste.

The Consumable Tooling Knowledge Hub is where visitors should head to receive impartial advice on how to optimise their machining processes and how to deal with real-life machining challenges. The Hub will offer advice on matching the most suitable cutting tool material and insert geometry with the workpiece material to be machined, through to key considerations such as tool paths and cutting data.  Visitors can meet experts from the AMRC who will be on-hand to help visitors with the complexities of metal cutting.

The Data and AI Knowledge Hub will explore how SME’s can use this technology to drive growth and innovation in manufacturing by measuring the output of their current operation, looking for opportunities to improve and ensuring supply meets demand. The aim of the Knowledge Hub is to provide advice and wayfinding, addressing the manufacturing applications that can be supported by data, technology and automated processes. 

www.machexhibition.com

The programme showcases the latest technology to exhibitors, helping manufacturers learn more about the potential offered by such technology, as well as when to adopt it and how to implement it to best effect.

The initiative has been handed a major shot-in-the-arm with the announcement by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt of £4.5 billion of funding to support advanced manufacturing. The funding will directly benefit several of the exhibition’s key themes, especially Energy Efficiency, where £960 million has been earmarked for clean energy manufacturing through a Green Industries Growth Accelerator.

The MTA, which organises the MACH event on behalf of the engineering-based manufacturing industry, has been campaigning for greater adoption of new technology for some time.

It will expand upon this at MACH 2024, which opens its doors at the NEC in Birmingham on 15th April, by explaining that implementing latest techniques in manufacturing processes is the fastest way to boost the UK’s output.

The focus for this will be a series of new Knowledge Hubs. These will focus on educating manufacturers in when and how to adopt new technologies.
The hubs, which will have dedicated stands within the various exhibition zones, will each focus on a particular type of technology:

• Automation and Robotics
• Data and Artificial Intelligence
• Energy Efficiency
• Additive Manufacturing
• Tooling

In recognition of the importance being placed on these hubs, each is being managed by one of the specialist centres from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, such as the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

The Catapult network is recognised for the cutting-edge research and development work being conducted at its various centres.

The network collaborates with thousands of innovative businesses across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, space, health, digital, energy, transport, telecoms, the urban environment and many others.

The MTC at Ansty Park, Coventry, is one of the largest public-sector investments in UK manufacturing, with impressive facilities proving innovative manufacturing processes and technologies in an agile environment.

The AMRC, which is spread across several sites in Yorkshire, works with companies of all sizes, including SMEs, start-ups and large-scale manufacturers to help them improve their productivity and save time, money and energy. The Factory 2050 facility in Sheffield combines a range of technologies including advanced robotics and automation.

James Selka DL, CEO of the MTA, said: “The MTA is part of a united front of UK manufacturing organisations, along with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and MACH 2024 Headline Sponsor Lloyds Bank, to increase the uptake of technologies such as automation and robotics.

“Only by embracing what the hubs are trying to achieve will the UK restore its position as a sovereign manufacturer, re-establishing itself as a major player on the global stage.

“To have the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Centre running our Knowledge Hubs is an indication of the importance these organisations place on our initiative, and with MACH 2024 providing the showcase and the opportunity to see the latest technology live and in action, we couldn’t ask for anything better.”

The need for this approach was recently brought into sharp focus in a new report highlighting the UK’s lack of investment in technology and its poor adoption of robotics in industry. The figures, from the International Federation of Robotics, showed the UK languishing outside the top 20 developed nations in terms of the global utilisation of industrial robots in manufacturing – lagging not just behind the economic superpowers, but also the likes of Spain and Finland.

“The UK must re-establish itself as a sovereign manufacturer. Greater adoption of the latest technologies will be vital to achieving this, helping improve manufacturing efficiency and optimising productivity. We will do everything we can to help UK manufacturers focus on the new technology, explain when to adopt it and how to implement it to best effect,” said Selka.

MACH is the UK’s only live, national event showcasing sustainable, innovative technologies used across the manufacturing spectrum and is the destination of choice for companies looking to adopt and invest in the digital revolution.

The exhibition is more than 85% sold but prime locations within the show halls are still available for businesses looking to exhibit. Nevertheless, the MTA has said companies still considering exhibiting should not delay their decisions so they can secure the locations of their choice.

www.machexhibition.com

The move has seen the Engineering Industries Association (EIA) and Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) join the MTA portfolio to create a unique alliance dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of engineering-based manufacturing.

Combining with MACH, the UK’s national event for inspiring, innovating and connecting manufacturing, and the new Engineering Supply Chain Show, the cluster represents a united front, dedicated to furthering the interests of engineering-based manufacturing in the UK, in turn boosting business opportunities for UK manufacturers.

The MTA is the UK’s trade association for companies in the engineering based manufacturing technologies sector. MTA members provide the advanced machinery, equipment and software that enable the creation of all the products we rely on from day to day, helping to drive the UK economy.

As a not-for-profit organisation, the MTA exists to promote the interests and be the voice of the engineering-based manufacturing technologies sector in the UK.

The EIA, which now falls under the MTA umbrella, is focused on helping the UK’s engineering supply chain promote their capability, capacity and expertise to manufacturers seeking to source high quality precision sub-contracting products and services from UK-based suppliers, at home and overseas.

AMUK is the UK’s only trade association for Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing businesses. It now sits within the MTA portfolio with the specific aim of promoting Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing technology, helping to accelerate the adoption of this technology in the UK.

The MACH exhibition is the UK’s only live, national event showcasing sustainable, innovative technologies used across the manufacturing spectrum. Attracting an audience of more than 26,000 people to meet and network with around 500 exhibitors, business attributed to the event in 2022 amounted to more than £180m.

The creation of the Engineering Supply Chain Show in 2022 provided a dedicated event for EIA members. This new show, co-located alongside MACH in 2024, is where engineering and manufacturing buyers go to find world-class suppliers, exclusively in the UK engineering and manufacturing supply chain.

Commenting on the development of the new cluster, James Selka DL, chief executive officer at the Manufacturing Technologies Association said: “The MTA has been at the core of the UK’s engineering-based manufacturing economy for over a century. The development of this new cluster of associations and events, under the umbrella brand of the MTA, is designed to improve business and trade in the UK. Being owned by the industry, for the benefit of the industry, our primary aim is to help and support the sector we represent to do business, boosting the UK’s manufacturing performance and enabling UK PLC to compete at a global level.”

The UK’s aspiration to be a global leader in advanced and digital manufacturing is creating plenty of opportunities for growth in the engineering-based manufacturing sector. As Selka explains, the new cluster, led by the MTA, is perfectly placed to help members take advantage; “By forming this cluster, the MTA now represents manufacturing technology suppliers and the engineering-based manufacturers who use the technology. Our unique offering promotes advanced and digital manufacturing principles that ensure more versatility, precision and productivity while using less raw materials and less energy in the process.”

Selka continues: “The circle is complete with MACH, the UK’s national event for showcasing manufacturing technology and the Engineering Supply Chain Show where engineering and manufacturing buyers can find subcontract and supply chain companies with capacity. The new cluster will work together to deliver for UK PLC in an ever changing world that demands increasingly complex solutions.”

MACH 2024 takes place at the NEC in Birmingham between 15-19th April 2024, with the ESC Show taking place alongside it between 16-18th April.

www.mta.org.uk

In recognition of the landmark – and reaffirming its commitment to UK manufacturing - Lloyds Bank has confirmed its headline sponsorship of MACH 2024, the sixth time is has done so. MACH is the UK’s only live, national event showcasing sustainable, innovative technologies used across the manufacturing spectrum and is the destination of choice for companies looking to adopt and invest in the digital revolution.

Commenting on the new deal, James Selka DL, chief executive officer at the Manufacturing Technologies Association said; “We are delighted to again be working with Lloyds Bank – this time on the promotion of MACH 2024. Being owned by the industry, for the benefit of the industry, the MTA’s primary aim is to help and support the sector we represent to do business, boosting the UK’s manufacturing performance and enabling UK PLC to compete at a global level. Manufacturing is the heartbeat of the UK economy and growing a resilient manufacturing industry has never been more important. Lloyds Bank is an ideal partner for MACH as we share common goals and commitments.”

A key theme of MACH 2024, which takes place between 15-19th April, will be around sustainability, supporting UK manufacturers transition to a low-carbon, sustainable business model.

Dave Atkinson, UK head of manufacturing at Lloyds Bank commented; “Making the transition to Net Zero represents a significant growth opportunity for the UK economy, particularly for the manufacturing sector. However, we must invest in technology and skills to support such an ambitious change. Lloyds Bank are delighted to again sponsor MACH – the UK’s national showcase for the best in next-generation manufacturing technologies.”

As a full working week event, MACH exhibitors power their equipment and technology on display, demonstrating latest techniques and trends to improve productivity, reducing material resource and energy used in the process – helping to ensure a sustainable future, contributing to the drive towards Net Zero.

Attracting new talent into the engineering-based manufacturing sector is another key driver for growth and a shared focus for both the MTA and Lloyds Bank.

Selka continues; “The MTA invests in a dedicated Education and Development Zone at MACH, successfully attracting over 3,000 students in the key age range of 11-18. The zone is designed to inspire a future generation into engineering as an exciting career, helping to close the skills gap by investing in people.”

With 12 months to go before the doors open at MACH 2024, the show is already well on the way to being a sell-out. Attracting an audience of more than 26,000 people to meet and network with around 500 exhibitors, business attributed to the event in 2022 amounted to more than £180m.

Lloyds Bank’s sponsorship deal also extends to the Engineering Supply Chain Show. This three-day event, co-located alongside MACH in 2024, is where engineering and manufacturing buyers go to find world-class suppliers, exclusively in the UK engineering and manufacturing supply chain.

www.machexhibition.com

The message was delivered to Conservative Party leadership candidate Liz Truss when she visited the factory of MTA member Reliance Precision in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire on the latest step of her bid to become the UK’s next Prime Minister.

The SME manufacturer designs and manufactures subsystems for high reliability applications such as the space industry. The forward-thinking company has invested in an active apprentice training and development programme, including its own first-year training centre. Approximately 10% of its workforce is comprised of apprentices.

Truss, who was accompanied on her visit by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, had been invited to visit Reliance by MAKE UK to present graduation certificates to its latest batch of engineering apprentices and officially open the company’s new production facility, a space-grade cleanroom specially created to enable the production of a new component developed for use in the space industry.

The NeoSMG (Stepper Motor Gearbox) is the first Reliance-designed assembly ever made for space. Its development began in September 2017 and has involved a number of organisations working collaboratively through every step of the process. Alongside the Reliance project team have been Airbus Defence & Space Stevenage, which was responsible for the NeoSADM (Solar Array Deployment Mechanism), its customer Airbus Defence & Space Toulouse, which is responsible for the NeoSAT satellite, the satellite operator and the European Space Agency.

Having received notification earlier this year from the European Cooperation for Space Standardisation (ECSS) that the assembly was approved safe for use in European space activities, the NeoSMG, which was exhibited at this summer’s Farnborough International Airshow, has been put into full production.

However, while the company received vital support developing the technology behind the assembly, help industrialising the means of production has proved more difficult – despite the NeoSMG’s potential to be a major revenue earner for the company and the opportunity to further highlight the UK manufacturing industry’s world-beating capabilities.

Reliance has therefore had the courage of its convictions and backed itself and the skills of its workforce to deliver the new product by investing £150,000 of its own funds to create the new cleanroom, which will enable it to double production capacity for the NeoSMG and fulfil new orders from Airbus Defence & Space.

James Selka DL, CEO of the MTA, is also Non-Executive Chairman of Reliance and was part of the delegation from the company receiving Truss and Wallace on their visit.

He said: “MTA members create the technologies for engineering-based manufacturing to succeed and hence are the key enablers to ensuring UK manufacturing becomes more sustainable and globally competitive. The MTA is therefore keen that the government and the wider community treat UK manufacturing as a critical national asset and one capable of delivering much-needed added value to the UK economy.

“This lies at the heart of the government's intention to deliver a Net Zero economy, improve supply chain resilience, grow exports and help with the levelling-up agenda. It is also critically important for reinforcing the UK’s sovereign production capabilities.”

He said the government had the capacity to achieve this by advocating for the industry and backing its abilities through investment incentives such as the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) and Super Deduction.

Running until 31st March 2023, Super Deduction offers companies investing in qualifying new plant and machinery assets the ability to claim a 130% super-deduction capital allowance on their plant and machinery investment, plus a 50% first-year allowance for qualifying special rate assets.

The super-deduction scheme allows companies to cut their tax bill by up to 25p for every £1 they invest. The incentive scheme was originally intended to jump-start the manufacturing sector as it bounced back from the pandemic-induced recession.

Selka added: “Companies like Reliance, who are developing these groundbreaking new products and technologies, must be supported both in product development and through industrialising the means of production. In this way, the UK will maintain its position as a globally significant manufacturing power.

“This is why I was delighted to meet Ms Truss and Mr Wallace during their visit to Reliance and to deliver this crucial message on behalf of the MTA, its members and the UK’s manufacturers in general. Should she accede to Number 10 then for the sake of UK manufacturing, I hope the message will be heeded."

www.mta.org.uk

James Selka, CEO of The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), said outside forces were converging on manufacturers and it was important they held their nerve in the face of cost challenges.

Manufacturing resolve is already being firmly tested by rising energy prices, a growth in factory gate inflation due to the increasing cost of raw materials, escalating labour costs and continued supply chain disruption. This was before the disruption caused by the invasion of Ukraine.

The combination of all these factors has resulted in margins being squeezed tightly in what is, an economy still recovering from the effects of the pandemic.
In the face of such challenges, manufacturers have been left with little option other than to increase their own prices. This can only be a short-term option however, as the inflationary impact of this could ultimately be very damaging.

Pressure from the business lobby urging the Chancellor to delay the planned increase in National Insurance in this month’s Spring Statement is growing. If it goes ahead, the changes will see a £250 annual tax increase for the average worker, together with additional costs for businesses looking to hire staff as they stage their recovery from the impact of Covid-19.

However, indications are that both the Prime Minister and the Chancellor remain committed to the increase and an extension of the fiscal stimulus package may not materialise.

“It is understandable the business lobby would call on the Chancellor to delay any NI increase, and this may still happen. However, it cannot be relied upon,” said Selka. “With inflation rising for the first time in decades, UK manufacturers need to make huge productivity improvements in order to avoid being squeezed by the challenges of increasing their prices to customers, rising supply costs amid continued supply chain disruption, huge energy cost increases and the rising cost of attracting and retaining talent.”

Selka said the answer to this difficult situation was for manufacturers to take full advantage of the fiscal stimulus schemes that are available to businesses looking to accelerate investment in order to sustainably make a step change in their competitiveness.

“While the short-term scenario may be challenging for manufacturers, the MTA prefers to play the long game. We are still confident in the ability of the UK economy to recover long-term and analytic data both from the MTA’s own economic consultants and that of the CBI, suggests that plans by manufacturers to invest in new plant and machinery over the coming twelve months remain good,” he said.

“With the arrival of MACH 2022 in just a couple of weeks, the exhibition could not be better timed. In order to make the step change improvements in productivity and therefore competitiveness, manufacturers need only three things – technologies, the skill to acquire and deploy those technologies, and the finance to make it happen. Technologies have never been more powerful and affordable, the UK has an incredible reputation for its innovative and flexible workforce, and finance assisted by government incentives such as Super-Deduction and the Annual Investment Allowance is incredibly good value and hugely available.”

MACH 2022, which opens its doors at the NEC in Birmingham between 4-8th April, is set to be the most significant gathering of manufacturers in the UK this year. Aside from highlighting some of the most important issues facing the manufacturing industry, the exhibition will also feature the largest display of new machinery and manufacturing technologies under one roof in the UK for four years.

“There has never been a better time to accelerate investment in UK manufacturing and with MACH 2022 bringing together the latest advanced engineering and manufacturing technologies in operation all under one roof, it will be perfect place for manufacturers to come and view the best new machines on the market,” concluded Selka.

www.machexhibition.com

HIGHLIGHTING SOME of the most important issues facing the manufacturing industry, MACH 2022 will include key themes covering the revival of the manufacturing industry post-pandemic, the drive to Net Zero and exploiting the opportunities offered by decarbonisation, the development of innovative technologies shaping advanced manufacturing, a special focus on Additive Manufacturing, together with a showcase of the skills and expertise contained within the UK manufacturing supply chain.

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), which organises the show, believes the growing optimism surrounding the sector will see bumper levels of business transacted during the show. Exhibitors too, are excited at the prospect of showcasing their latest products to an eager array of buyers ready to capitalise on the current financial incentives such as Super Deduction and AIA available to businesses prepared to invest in capital assets.

James Selka, CEO of the MTA, said: “There has never been a better time to accelerate investment in UK manufacturing and with MACH 2022 bringing together the latest advanced engineering and manufacturing technologies in operation all under one roof, it will be perfect place for manufacturers to come and view the best new machines on the market.”

Engineering Supply Chain Show

There is also a new exhibition, launching for the first time at MACH 2022, which highlights another of the show’s core themes - the opportunities that can be found within the UK supply chain. Sponsored by Lloyds Bank and the Engineering Industries Association, The Engineering Supply Chain Show is where engineering and manufacturing buyers can go to source world-class suppliers, exclusively in the UK engineering and manufacturing supply chain.

Also debuting at the show this year will be a special Tooling Clinic run by the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). The Tooling Clinic will enable visitors to identify the solutions right for them through open discussion of the manufacturing challenges within their tooling applications, cutting strategies, parameter optimisation, virtual machining and other high value manufacturing methodologies and technologies.

Seminar Programme

As with previous exhibitions, MACH 2022 will feature a strong seminar programme, with sessions spanning the whole spectrum of the manufacturing technologies sector, with speakers focused on delivering intuitive and engaging presentations reflecting the themes of the show.

“The global shift towards greater sustainability has gathered significant momentum during the past four years and the drive to Net Zero and the opportunities offered by decarbonisation will be a core theme of MACH 2022,” said Selka. “This will be reflected in the speaker programme, with several speakers basing their presentations on this important subject. Hopefully, this will encourage visitors to the show to discover more about the opportunities provided by these new technologies and to implement them into their own operations.”

Speakers will also address other important topics relating to the sector including the development of digital manufacturing technologies, the emerging role of additive manufacturing, the importance of Cyber Security and investment strategies.

Selka added: “The MTA is constantly communicating with the top tiers of the UK manufacturing community so it can target the issues that directly affect manufacturers. One of the MTA’s aims when drawing up the programme was to select speakers that could engage and inspire their audience, as well as directly address the issues of concern to today’s manufacturers.

“We believe we have achieved this, and we are urging visitors to MACH 2022 to check out the full program in advance so they can identify the presentations they want to attend and not miss out.”

www.machexhibition.com

Dave Burley, senior advisor to the board of NCMT Ltd and current MTA vice-president has kindly stepped into the role early in support of the association and the industry.

James Selka, CEO on the MTA, said: “We would like to thank Andy for the enormous contribution he has made to the association during his time on the board and as president, including during the recent challenging period.

“We are sorry to see Andy retire, but totally respect his decision. We are incredibly lucky to have a talented and strong board representing our members and are grateful and delighted to welcome Dave Burley into the role of president.”

Hodgson, strategic lead: digitalisation at Siemens, has played an active role in the MTA for many years as both a board member and as the chairman of the association’s Technical Committee, a position he relinquished in 2020 to take on the presidency in succession to Marcus Burton.

Hodgson also has a wealth of experience in the Manufacturing Technologies sector, as well as first-hand experience of the acceleration of digitalisation within the industry through his work at Siemens.

www.mta.org.uk

James Selka, CEO of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), said: “The development of key skills to support the future of advanced manufacturing has long been a core goal of the MTA. Without a steady stream of new talent coming into the industry then there is a risk things could stagnate, setting back technological development.

“Encouraging young engineers into the manufacturing industry has sadly been a problem for some years now. Even prior to the pandemic there were concerns insufficient numbers were viewing the industry as a viable career option. With everything that has happened over the past two years, it is now more important than ever to change attitudes and emphasise the real benefits a career in manufacturing can offer.

“This is why MACH 2022 will have a strong focus on encouraging more young people into the industry, with special displays and a dedicated exhibition zone showcasing the changes that have taken place within manufacturing and highlighting what makes it one of the most exciting industries to be involved in.”
MACH 2022, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham between 4-8th April, will once again have a dedicated Education & Development (E&D) Zone, which will feature special displays from Airbus Defence & Space, University of Wolverhampton Formula 3 Race Team, Lincoln Electric Virtual Welding and the Bowers GroupMobile Metrology Centre.

Education & Development (E&D) Zone 2022

• Airbus Defence & Space will be displaying its ExoMars Rover ground demonstration model, ‘Bruno’. Bruno is the Earth-based testing model of its counterpart the ‘Rosalind Franklin’ Rover, which will ultimately search for life on Mars. The ExoMars will be demonstrating how it can navigate the surface of Mars, while staff from Airbus will be showing how they communicate remotely with the rover and will be answering questions from young engineers keen to learn more about engineering in the Air and Space sectors.
• The University of Wolverhampton Formula 3 Race Team is an initiative to provide students, from the University of Wolverhampton, with industry experience by working as part of a professional team in a competitive Motorsport environment. They will be displaying a selection of cars from their race team, which includes a Formula 3 Dallara F308 with a Honda Mugen engine run in the F3 Cup, two Plus 4 Clubsports run in the AR Motorsport Morgan Challenge, a Formula Renault 2.0 previously run at the 2015 Monoposto 2000 Championship and their IMechE Formula Student car.
• Lincoln Electric will be bringing several of their virtual welding machines which are successfully used in training people to weld.
• The Bowers Group Mobile Metrology Centre is a fully equipped metrology lab on wheels, featuring a range of measuring solutions.

Students from Year 7 upwards attending the show will also be offered guided tours of the exhibition. These will be led by apprentices and graduates close to their own age and who are already working within the industry.

Exhibitors including the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre, Renishaw, Siemens and Yamazaki Mazak will also be showcasing the apprenticeships and graduate training schemes they have on offer and what a career in manufacturing could offer.

Official registration for schools or academies wishing to visit MACH 2022 is now open, and can be done by visiting the MACH 2022 website here

Schools that register will be contacted following registration so they can pick the days they wish to attend, get further information on what activities are on offer, and confirm which tour they would like to participate in so they can get the most out of their visit.

Selka added: “The MTA and its members are all ambassadors for the manufacturing technologies industries and will be only too happy to pass on the benefit of their knowledge to willing new recruits. Bringing the STEM subjects to life by showing the benefits of their real-life applications is what MACH excels at.”

Even though MACH 2022 is still six months away, exhibitors and visitors can interact with the exhibition now. As part of the MTA’s commitment to improve the exhibition experience, the association has invested in a new online platform, Map Your Show planner, to help people get the most from the event.

Trialled with great success during the MACH 2022 Preview Week, the platform enables visitors to filter by product type, save favourite exhibitors, speakers and content to their personal show planner. They can even make direct contact with exhibitors ahead of the event.

No other manufacturing event can bring together so many key decision makers across a five-day period, and no other event of its kind can attract over 20,000 trade visitors with real purchasing power - all looking to meet new suppliers, find new products, network and form new business relationships.

For more details on the Education & Development Zone, how to use the new show planner or any other information regarding MACH 2022, visit www.machexhibition.com

UK skills statistics

• To keep pace with demand, 203,000 people with Level 3+ engineering skills are required by the engineering sector per year by 2024.
• Almost a fifth (19%) of the total UK workforce is employed in the engineering sector
• 29% of A-Level entries for girls are in STEM subjects, compared with 47% for boys
• In 2017-18, just 7% of engineering-related apprenticeship achievements in England were completed by women, whilst in Scotland, the figure was just 3%
• In the UK, just 9% of those working in engineering are BAME, compared to 12% for the rest of the workforce
• The manufacturing sector accounts for 44% of the turnover generated by engineering enterprises in the UK
• Almost half (47%) of the UK workforce are women, yet they comprise just 12% of the engineering sector.

The Engineering Supply Chain Show is a new exhibition where engineering and manufacturing buyers go to find world-class suppliers, exclusively in the UK engineering and manufacturing supply chain.

Organised by The Manufacturing Technologies Association and being hosted at the NEC in April 2022, this show-within-a-show is part of the MACH exhibition but sits as a separate 3-day event. Running from 5-7th April 2022, The Engineering Supply Chain Show will have its own location and entrance in Hall 7 – directly alongside MACH.

Sponsored by Lloyds Bank and the Engineering Industries Association (EIA), this new exhibition has grown out of increased demand for the successful UK Supply Chain Zone at MACH. This focused event is dedicated to buyers looking to source precision sub-contracting products and services from UK-based suppliers.

Commenting on the new exhibition, James Selka DL, Chief Executive Officer at The Manufacturing Technologies Association said; “This is a very exciting time for the UK’s engineering and manufacturing supply chain. More and more UK OEMs and Tier 1 companies are looking to reshore their supply chains or develop new ones. This new exhibition, sited alongside the established MACH exhibition, will provide a focused showcase for their products and services.”

One common badge will provide unhindered access to both MACH and The Engineering Supply Chain Show while in-hall links will ensure a seamless flow of visitors between the events. Traditionally attracting over 25,000 visitors, MACH is the UK’s national event to showcase engineering and manufacturing technologies and is complemented by The Engineering Supply Chain Show, bringing together a wider audience focused on capacity in the UK subcontracting and supply chain sectors.

To exhibit, companies must be UK registered and offer capacity in subcontract or supply chain services. Examples include precision machined-parts subcontracting, castings and forgings, coatings, mechatronic and electronic design and assembly, extrusion, fabrication, finishing, forming, pressings and stampings, tool making, forming and manipulation, vacuum technology and design, development and testing services.

Selka concluded: “With demand for UK domestic production growing, particularly post-Brexit, coupled with the desire to reduce goods miles as part of the UK’s commitment to greener manufacturing, we believe this exhibition is perfectly timed to support this drive. Exhibiting at The Engineering Supply Chain Show allows exhibitors to meet face to face with buyers and procurement professionals with budget authority to spend. Alongside MACH, no other UK exhibition delivers such a strong audience.”

http://www.engineeringsupplychain.co.uk