Subcon 2016, the UK’s showcase for the contract and sub-contract manufacturing supply chain, will be taking place 7-9 June at the NEC, Birmingham, with more than 400 exhibitors and a host of new initiatives.

Now in its 40th year, Subcon has doubled in size over the past four years and remains the only UK event that is solely dedicated to contract manufacturing supply chains and out-sourced engineering services.

The show covers the complete spectrum of advanced manufacturing, from machining and metal forming through to electronics, plastic moulding, casting, forging, material treatments, additive manufacturing and — with their own dedicated zone this year — composites and materials.

The spread of market sectors covered by Subcon is equally broad, with senior purchasing managers, production managers and supply chain managers attending from industries that include aerospace, automotive, medical technology, transport, oil and gas and marine, as well as general engineering.

New at Subcon this year are dedicated zones designed to make it easier for buyers to find key suppliers. As well as the composites and materials zone, there are also specific areas focused on contract electronics manufacture, manufacturing software, turned parts (in association with the British Turned Parts Manufacturers Association), castings (in association with the Cast Metals Federation) and surface engineering (in association with the Institute of Metal Finishing).

In the international supplier zone, there will be pavilions featuring sub-contractors from the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Latvia, Turkey, India and China.

Popular features launched at last year’s Subcon are also back on the agenda. The Advisory Drop-in Centre gives SMEs access to expert advice on key areas for business success, including skills, innovation, exporting and access to finance; meanwhile, the free-to-attend industry reception will provide an opportunity to network.

In addition, buyers who attend Subcon 2016 will be invited to become part of the Buyer Programme; this will allow them to search and select exhibitors based on the sectors they serve, the services offered and the accreditations held — then pre-book meetings. A personalised diary system will ensure that buyers have a productive time at the show by meeting with the appropriate suppliers.

Complementing these customer-focused activities will be a specially commissioned series of conference presentations designed to address key technology and supply chain issues. These will include: the role of additive manufacturing in supply chains; adding value to procurement; identifying skills gaps; and engineering lightweight structures.

Grant Burgham, business development and portfolio director for Centaur Engineering Live Events, said: “We have built Subcon 2016 around the things that visitors and exhibitors say matter most to them, so that they can get the maximum value from their time at the show. This is going to be a great event for the sub-contract manufacturing supply chain, and we are sure that it will deliver real business benefits to all who participate.”

More information on the show and free visitor registration can be found at the show’s Web site (www.subconshow.co.uk).