MACH 2026 to launch Smart Industry Solutions Zone

MACH 2026, the UK’s premier manufacturing and engineering exhibition, is introducing the Smart Industry Solutions Zone next year, in partnership with MTC Events. Organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) and owned by the industry it serves, MACH brings together the entire UK manufacturing supply chain to celebrate innovation, showcase capabilities, and address the latest market trends. The show will take place 20-24 April 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham.

In collaboration with MTC Events, this innovative area is dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements, products and technologies in manufacturing. Designed to inspire, connect, and unify the manufacturing industry, the new zone will highlight ‘cutting-edge solutions that enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector‘.

The Smart Industry Solutions Zone promises to be a hub for discovering transformative technologies and exploring their real-world applications. The MTA and MTC Events have joined forces in a strategic collaboration designed to revitalise the UK manufacturing sector and bring renewed value to events hosted by both organisations. By combining their resources and expertise, the partnership seeks to improve experiences and outcomes for UK manufacturers. The initiative also addresses the changing demands of the manufacturing sector. Over the years, traditional event formats have become outdated, leading to declining delegate numbers and doubts among exhibitors about the return on their investments.

To understand industry expectations for future events, we conducted surveys among members and industrial partners. The feedback revealed a strong need for better opportunities to generate business through leads and prospects, as well as more accessible events that genuinely represent the voice of the industry without excessive costs.

Truly reflective of industry needs
Through this partnership, MTA and MTC Events aim to tackle these challenges by hosting events that are truly reflective of industry needs and offer significant value to all participants.
With improved planning, execution, and satisfaction for sponsors, exhibitors, visitors, and delegates, this collaboration paves the way for smarter, more unified UK manufacturing events.

Richard Watkins, director of events and customer experience at MTC Events, said: “We are delighted to join forces with the MTA in convening the manufacturing community for MACH. By bringing our expertise in events management to the show, we can create a better environment for visitors and exhibitors to engage with each other and enhance the value they get from the show.”

MACH 2026 will represent much more than an opportunity to invest in new technologies; it provides a comprehensive platform to explore the depth and breadth of the UK’s manufacturing sector. From ground-breaking advancements in machinery to showcasing capacity and capability across the supply chain, MACH 2026 is a reflection of the sector’s resilience, ingenuity, and innovation.

The 30,000-plus expected visitors will have the opportunity to connect with key players, gain insight into the latest trends, and witness live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies. James Fudge, the MTA’s head of operations, concluded: “It is not just a showcase, it is a celebration of what the UK manufacturing sector can achieve when the entire community comes together over five days.”