The largest manufacturing and engineering exhibition in the UK, MACH 2018 is set to be opened on 9 April by Sir Ben Ainslie — the most successful sailor in Olympic history (he won medals at five consecutive Olympics from 1996 onwards, including gold at the four Games held between 2000 and 2012).

He has a keen interest in manufacturing and the technology behind it, with his British America’s Cup team — Land Rover BAR — employing the latest manufacturing processes to build their foiling racing yacht for the America’s Cup.

MTA CEO James Selka said “We are delighted to welcome Sir Ben to open MACH 2018; we know how much hard work and engineering excellence went into building the Land Rover BAR team.

"It is a fine example of world-class British engineering and sporting know-how. Sir Ben is a legend, and we are honoured to have him opening the MTA’s MACH show.”

Sir Ben said: “At Land Rover BAR, we bring together huge resources of technical, design and engineering knowledge to create something truly British and unique.

“We invest in technology and innovative skills to find solutions for long-term issues in sustainability. I’m very much looking forward to opening the MACH 2018 exhibition and seeing the latest innovations coming out of the UK’s manufacturing-technologies sector.”

MACH 2018 takes place 9-13 April, and visitors can register for their entry pass and fast-track entry pack at the exhibition Web site (www.machexhibition.com).