MACH 2026 UK manufacturing gathers momentum in Birmingham

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MACH 2026 returns to Birmingham as the UK’s manufacturing sector looks ahead to renewed investment, digital transformation and skills development. From 20 to 24 April, more than 30,000 visitors are expected at the NEC to experience live demonstrations, expanded Knowledge Hubs and new feature zones showcasing the technologies, people and strategies shaping the future of UK manufacturing.

From 20 to 24 April 2026, the UK manufacturing community will once again converge at the NEC Birmingham as MACH 2026 opens its doors. With more than 30,000 visitors expected across five halls, the biennial exhibition aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the technologies, capabilities and people shaping the future of manufacturing in the UK.

Owned and organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) and sponsored by Lloyds, MACH has established itself as the country’s largest event dedicated to manufacturing technologies. Timed to coincide with renewed investment cycles and capacity planning across the sector, the 2026 edition positions itself as both a technology showcase and a strategic meeting point for manufacturers preparing for growth.

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A full spectrum of manufacturing technologies

MACH 2026 will present a broad cross-section of manufacturing solutions, covering machine tools, cutting tools, metrology, additive manufacturing, robotics and automation, surface engineering, sheet metal and metal forming, fabrication technologies, and specialist software driving digitalisation. Live demonstrations remain a defining feature of the show, allowing visitors to experience equipment and processes in operation rather than in theory.

The exhibition will welcome a mix of long-standing supporters, returning exhibitors and first-time participants, reflecting both continuity and change within the UK manufacturing landscape. For the MTA, this diversity is central to MACH’s role as a platform that connects buyers, sellers, designers and specifiers across the entire supply chain.

Knowledge Hubs expand for 2026

Following their successful debut in 2024, the Knowledge Hubs will return in an expanded format for MACH 2026. Strategically positioned across the show floor, these interactive areas are designed to offer manufacturers practical, impartial guidance on adopting new technologies and improving performance.

The hubs will focus on key topics such as automation and robotics, additive manufacturing, data and AI, and consumable tooling. Rather than promoting individual products, the emphasis is on helping visitors understand when and how to invest in technologies that can improve productivity, efficiency and operational costs.

A particular highlight will be the Machining & Tooling Knowledge Hub, supported by a broad group of tooling specialists including Ceratizit, Iscar Tools, Horn, Guhring, ZCC Cutting Tools, Kyocera, Europa Tools, Mapal and Mitsubishi. A dedicated seminar theatre within the hub will host presentations on the application of modern cutting tool technologies and guidance on selecting appropriate insert geometries, with the aim of helping manufacturers work faster, better and more cost-effectively.

MACH as a focal point for the manufacturing community

As a not-for-profit organisation, the MTA positions MACH as more than a commercial exhibition. The association sees the event as a central element of its mission to support innovation, attract new talent and promote the long-term growth of UK manufacturing.

In addition to the MTA itself, MACH 2026 is supported by key industry organisations including the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and its centres, the MMMA, and, for the first time, Automate UK and Make UK. The event also reflects the MTA’s broader organisational structure, which includes Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) and Engineering Supply Chain UK (ESCUK).

Both associations will be represented with dedicated zones. The AMUK Knowledge Hub will provide impartial advice on integrating additive manufacturing into production environments, while ESCUK, as sponsor of the Supply Chain Zone, will focus on promoting UK capacity and capability and supporting members in developing new business relationships.

Commenting on the scope and ambition of the event, James Fudge, Head of Operations at the MTA, said: “MACH is the only show that offers thousands of visitors a fantastic opportunity to explore and see live demonstrations of a wide range of the latest manufacturing technologies and techniques, all under one roof, in one week – without leaving the UK. This year’s event is a fabulous opportunity to learn about new technology and how this can be harnessed to improve productivity and efficiency. The Knowledge Hub areas are spearheading our drive to help manufacturers integrate new technologies into their processes and manufacturing systems. The event also offers invaluable face-to-face opportunities to meet new suppliers and strengthen existing relationships, helping businesses stay ahead in a rapidly evolving sector.”

Education and skills take centre stage

Addressing the ongoing skills challenge in manufacturing remains a central theme for MACH 2026. The Education and Development (E&D) Zone, sponsored by Iscar Tools, will serve as the educational hub of the exhibition. It is designed to introduce young people to engineering-based manufacturing and help them identify potential career pathways.

Nearly 3,000 students aged 11 to 18 are expected to attend, participating in hands-on activities and guided tours of the exhibition. These tours, led by apprentices from MTA member companies, are intended to provide first-hand exposure to modern manufacturing technologies, career options and employers seeking new talent.

James Fudge emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating: “The E&D Zone showcases the MTA’s commitment to attracting new talent into the sector. We have nearly 3,000 students due to attend in the key age range of 11-18. The zone is designed as an engaging experience and will demonstrate what a career in advanced manufacturing looks like.”

Iscar Tools’ involvement underscores industry concern over skills shortages. David Jones, General Manager at Iscar Tools in the UK, commented: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the E&D Zone at MACH 2026, ensuring the event can showcase the engineering-based manufacturing sector to the next generation of engineers.”

He added: “We have all experienced the shortage of engineers in our sector and it remains a key issue for many exhibitors and visiting companies alike. Iscar Tools are keen to inspire interest in the sector from a young age and we believe the MTA’s work with schools, encouraging new talent to visit the show, is very worthwhile.”

The E&D Zone is supported by organisations including the Royal Navy STEM Outreach team, STEM Racing (formerly F1 in Schools), WorldSkills UK, Siemens Plc, Renishaw, Harper Adams University, University of Wolverhampton, VEX Robotics, and the Imagineering Foundation, with further partners to be announced.

James Selka, CEO of the MTA, underlined the strategic importance of these efforts: “Attracting new and retaining existing talent in our sector is a significant challenge – but one that the MTA is determined to tackle. The dedicated E&D Zone at MACH is designed to inspire a future generation to consider the advanced manufacturing sector as an exciting career.”

Smart Industry Solutions Zone and strategic partnership

A new feature for MACH 2026 is the Smart Industry Solutions Zone, powered by MTC Events. Developed in collaboration with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), the zone will focus on smart manufacturing solutions that enhance productivity, sustainability and competitiveness.

The zone is part of a broader strategic partnership between the MTA and MTC Events, aimed at rethinking event formats to better reflect industry needs. Surveys conducted among members and industrial partners highlighted the demand for more effective lead generation, improved accessibility and clearer value for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Richard Watkins, Director – Events & Customer Experience at MTC Events, commented: “We’re delighted to join forces with the MTA in convening the manufacturing community for MACH. By bringing our expertise in events management to the show, we can create a better environment for visitors and exhibitors to engage with each other and enhance the value they get from the show.”

A platform beyond technology investment

With its combination of technology showcases, knowledge transfer, skills development and strategic dialogue, MACH 2026 aims to be more than a venue for capital investment decisions. It positions itself as a reflection of the UK manufacturing sector’s resilience, innovation and collective ambition.

Summing up the broader significance of the event, James Fudge concluded: “It’s not just a showcase, it’s a celebration of what the UK manufacturing sector can achieve when the entire community comes together over 5 days.”

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