The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Teddington, a member of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), recently played host to the press launch event for MACH 2020.

The show will take place from 20 to 24 April next year, and 95% of the exhibition space has already been sold.

The 2018 exhibition attracted more than 25,000 visitors during its five days and has been credited with generating business worth more than £200 million for the exhibitors.

James Fudge, head of events and member services at the MTA (pictured), said: “MACH 2020 is the UK’s national event for inspiring, innovating and connecting manufacturing, and it will provide real value for our visitors.

"We will have all the latest manufacturing-technology solutions available under one roof, giving visitors an unrivalled overview of our sector in the UK.

"With our exhibitors, we work hard to provide meaningful engagement points, and we are pleased to announce that HS2 will be exhibiting at the show, looking to connect and work with the UK supply chain.

"We also have several Catapult Centres and the Made Smarter programme showing what they can offer to assist companies with the transition into the digital age.

"For businesses that are looking to improve their productivity and embrace new manufacturing-technology solutions, MACH 2020 is unmissable.”

MTA CEO James Selka said: “The continued development of manufacturing technologies is enabling faster, more-responsive and more-efficient processes to be implemented in businesses.

MACH 2020 is a fantastic opportunity to invest in new equipment.

"With the increase in the Annual Investment Allowance available and impartial support available on site from finance companies, there really has never been a better time to invest in your business and your staff.”

As well as being a manufacturing showcase with the latest technologies and live demonstrations from many of the industry’s leading names, MACH 2020 will feature a seminar programme, plus an Education and Development Zone to help attract the next generation of engineers into the sector.

Visitors can now register at the Web site (www.machexhibition.com).

Following the MACH launch, members of the press were given a tour of the NPL facility.

Manufacturing technology is a key strength of the UK, and the NPL has been intrinsically linked with the industry, discovering and developing manufacturing technology innovation for over 115 years.

To achieve the goals that society has for increasing productivity, limiting climate change and improving quality of life, new technology is needed that pulls together innovation from across manufacturing.

NPL has a clear understanding of the challenges faced when developing advanced technology through its own design, development and manufacture of instruments and systems within its Instruments and Engineering Services business units.

The next generation of manufacturing technologies ‘will have precision, autonomy, intelligence and flexibility in their DNA’, and NPL is working at the heart of these developments on behalf of — and with — UK industry.

Gareth Edwards, strategic business development manager (advanced manufacturing) NPL, said: “NPL recognises the urgent need for the UK to create the machines needed to manufacture tomorrow’s technologies and is working to help shape the innovation landscape to enable businesses — especially SMEs — to do this.

"We look forward to sharing those plans with the community at MACH 2020.

Mr Selka added: “We would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to NPL for hosting the launch and supporting the MTA in the work we do; also for being such a great example of UK innovation, for which we remain famous world-wide.”