Tony Bowkett — group managing director of Nikken Kosakusho Europe Ltd — has been nominated to take up the presidency of the Manufacturing Technologies Association in 2015, once Mark Ridgway has completed his term of office.

Speaking about his nomination as the next MTA president, Mr Bowkett said: “I am very grateful to be nominated to this role for such a prestigious organisation. New processes and techniques developed by MTA member companies are providing continuous improvements in productivity, flexibility and quality. This is allowing UK manufacturers to maintain and improve their competitiveness in ever more complex and challenging international markets.

“Manufacturing technology is more than just machine tools; it delivers innovative leading-edge customised solutions — often turn-key — incorporating the pinnacle of UK engineering knowledge and expertise that is implemented by UK engineers.

"I believe that in the near future the MTA’s membership ranks should include major British and international manufacturers that are headquartered here or have a major manufacturing presence in the UK. These organisations should play an integral part in the activities of the MTA, allowing our existing members to further develop the necessary skills required to compete globally.”