Machines on display at this year’s MACH 2018 16 April 2018

MACH 2018, the UK’s premier advanced engineering showcase, closed its doors to a new look and location last week, with more manufacturing technologies under one roof than previous shows.

Held at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, on 9th – 13th April, the five day show saw nearly 600 exhibitors provide an unrivalled platform to create valuable connections, generate new business and gain an understanding of the great breadth of progress in UK advanced engineering today.



As well as digitalisation, which serves as an unofficial thread throughout MACH 2018, the show also featured the latest and best developments in additive manufacturing – industrial 3D Printing, which is one of the other major factors in making the manufacturing process more efficient and creating more lightweight parts. Major processes such as milling, turning, metrology and tooling are well represented too.

Many working machines were on display at the event - approximately 10% greater than at the previous event, creating both interest and engagement.



“The feeling and buzz across the halls appeared to be very positive,” reported Geoff Bryant. “Of course, this is the first time in this location, so we are not comparing like with like, but the feeling was very much one of even spread of visitors across the whole of the new layout, which of course was the prime reason we decided to relocate here,” said Geoff Bryant, president of The Manufacturing Technologies Association.

“We live in an industry where seeing is believing, the aim of every exhibitor is to get people in front of the kit they are offering, and working machinery is a compelling way to do that. Everyone is time precious, and they will research products and brands they know they need to look at. But as they move around the halls, they will always see something that catches their attention that they didn’t know existed. And as all our exhibitors know, it can be very difficult to get an audience with a potential customer just by knocking on their door. At MACH, they can get that audience and start to build a relationship.”

Deputy Editor

Claire Aldridge Deputy Editor t: +44 (0) 1727 743 889

Biog

Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.

Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.