The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), which owns and organises the MACH exhibition, confirmed that the number of trade visitors to MACH 2018 was up 5% on the 2016 show.

A total of 23,125 trade visitors came into the halls at the NEC 9-13 April; of those, 19,445 registered directly with MACH (a 7% increase on 2016), while another 3,680 registered with one of the co-located exhibitions and visited MACH as well.

James Selka, MTA CEO, said: “It was great to see so many people at MACH 2018.

“For all those using or supplying manufacturing technology, this event is the place to do business and keep up to date with the latest technology.

“That so many people made sure they were there is testament to the strength of the exhibition and its place at the heart of UK manufacturing.”

The total number of visitors — including students, who toured the exhibition and experienced a range of hands-on activities in the Education and Development area — was 24,654.

The growth in the exhibition and the increase in the complexity of the technology on display — 10% more machines were lifted into position than in 2016— resulted in 1,889 visitors attending for more than one day — a 24% increase on 2016.

Wednesday 11 April was the peak day, with 7,331 trade visitors in the halls.

This year, MACH was held in the newer Atrium side of the NEC, allowing the show to be presented in a single space, on one level.

Mr Selka added: “With so much of the manufacturing-technologies supply chain under one roof, it is no surprise that a lot of business was done by the exhibiting companies during the week.”