MACH 2022 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, such as sustainability and the drive to net zero, the exhibition will also feature the largest display of new machinery and manufacturing technologies under one roof in the UK for four years.
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, together with a unique showcase highlighting the skills and expertise contained within the UK manufacturing supply chain are all key themes for the five-day show.
There will be a special focus on Additive Manufacturing, based around the dedicated 3D Printing & Additive Printing Zone, which is located in Hall 17. The benefits Additive Manufacturing (AM) offers to businesses is well known but the transformational cross-sectoral technology has evolved considerably since the last MACH show in 2018.
To reflect the added significance of the new technology, the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), which organises the MACH exhibition, has taken on the running of AM-UK, the UK’s trade association for companies who develop, create or sell the technology, materials or services which form the AM capability chain.
Working in partnership with the MTA, AM-UK is positioned to help drive the development and adoption of AM technology in the UK. To reflect its growing importance, AM-UK will be undergoing a relaunch to coincide with the show.
The exhibition, taking place at the NEC in Birmingham between 4-8th April, could not be timelier for the manufacturing sector. 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: “With the UK economy growing above forecasts for 2021 and the CBI predicting that plans for spending on plant and machinery over the coming twelve months have improved considerably, the timing of MACH 2022 could not be better.
“In order to make step change improvements in productivity and therefore competitiveness, you only need 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 is incredibly good value and hugely available.
“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.”
This year’s show will focus on the best of the manufacturing technologies sector – the development of the digital factory, 3D Printing, new automation solutions and connected manufacturing processes, power by the hour and the cost efficiency solutions that will dramatically improve production processes and help shape the industry over the next decade.
Resolving the current challenges to the industry – soaring energy prices, rising labour costs, skills shortages, the escalating price of raw materials, supply chain disruption and the need to effectively tackle the green agenda by seizing the opportunities posed by decarbonisation, will also receive special focus.
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 is a special Tooling Clinic run by the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). This 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.
MACH 2022 also features a strong seminar programme, with topics including the development of digital manufacturing technologies, the emerging role of Additive Manufacturing, the importance of Cyber Security and investment strategies.
Also, The Metalforming Machinery Makers’ Association (MMMA) is capping another major year of growth by taking over 650m² of space at MACH, allowing more than 23 members to showcase their services and technology. Visitors will be able to enjoy live demonstrations of machinery and take part in technical discussions.
For more details on the exhibition and how to register, visit www.machexhibition.com
