James Selka
CEO, MTA
An upcoming event aims to connect manufacturers and encourage collaboration to address challenges the sector is facing.
The UK manufacturing industry plays a significant role in the UK economy’s success. With over 325,000 small and medium-sized UK manufacturing and engineering enterprises, it contributes £224bn to GVA, provides 2.6 million jobs and delivers nearly half of all UK exports.
For over a century, the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) has been a champion of Industrial Strategy. It’s committed to working closely with the Government, industry partners and other stakeholders to implement strategic initiatives.
The organisation welcomed the Government’s Industrial Strategy, launched in June 2025. It supports and recognises the important role manufacturing will play in the long-term government plan to strengthen and transform the economy by prioritising key sectors, encouraging investment, innovation, skills and productivity, and stimulating sustainable growth.
The Industrial Strategy is closely aligned with MTA’s vision, as it believes the UK needs to be modernised and re-industrialised with advanced technologies and sustainable practices, leveraging our historical strengths in manufacturing and technology to build a resilient and forward-looking economy.
Taking place from 20-24 April in Birmingham, MACH 2026 brings together over 500 exhibitors showcasing the best manufacturing technologies in the country.
MACH 2026: shaping the future of UK manufacturing
MACH exhibition is MTA’s flagship event, and is the UK’s largest engineering-based manufacturing event.
Taking place from 20-24 April in Birmingham, MACH 2026 brings together over 500 exhibitors showcasing the best manufacturing technologies in the country. Amid the challenges and opportunities for manufacturing, this event provides the perfect platform to address these matters through innovation, collaboration and insights for over 26,000 attendees expected to visit.
MACH 2026 is designed to help manufacturers navigate through issues such as rising operational costs, skills shortages, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty. It offers plenty of opportunities for solutions to help manufacturers remain competitive in this challenging environment.
Empowering manufacturers today and tomorrow
As the UK manufacturing sector faces both challenges and opportunities, events like MACH, supported by MTA’s commitment to innovation and collaboration, play a crucial role in driving the industry forward. By connecting businesses, showcasing advanced technologies and fostering skills development, MACH helps ensure that UK manufacturing remains competitive, resilient and ready for the future.
