MACH 2014 preparations indicate bigger, better more complete show is on the menu

Following the ballot for exhibition space, Adrian Sell, business and events manager at the MTA, highlights that space sales are 25% ahead of where they were at the same point last time, for MACH 2012, with an area of over 15,000 sq m so far booked. "Many companies are taking more space than they did at the previous exhibition, including Mills CNC, WNT and YMT," reports Mr Sell. And he also highlights that a number of companies are returning to the show, following an absence, such as Agie Charmilles and Heller Machine Tools, although there are more, says the MTA. "MTA members have a very positive outlook on future business, so everything is gearing up for a very positive show," offers Mr Sell. The organisation's head of external affairs, Paul O'Donnell confirms this, highlighting that machine tool investment in the UK saw 29% growth last year, with a figure of 65% for 2011 over 2010. The market is expected to continue at around the 2012 level through 2013. "While the economic news is will-we-won't-we have a triple-dip recession, we are confident that MACH 2014 will see good growth on 2012, as 2012 was on 2010. Why? Because the UK capital goods sector is the star performer in UK manufacturing industry. Output levels are back to where they were before the recession. "And the reason for that is because our end-user markets are strong. Aerospace has seen strong growth for about a decade, with that expected to continue through 2014 and beyond. "Automotive is also strong, with the shape of our industry suggesting it will avoid the problems that European carmakers are facing, because we manufacture strong premium brands, like JLR and BMW Mini. "The machinery sector is back to pre-recessionary levels, in 2007, although there is some volatility there. But, overall, growth is forecast for this year, with that strengthening in 2014/15." So, with that optimism and confidence, the show is in growth mode generally, with next year's event promising more Technology Zones and additional partnerships with other trade organisations, the latter a reflection of "the MACH commitment to covering all aspects of manufacturing technology", the MTA adds, and there are more announcements to come, it promises. On Technology Zones, there'll be a new Logistics and Manufacturing Zone, with the MTA working together with the organiser of IMHX (the International Materials Handling Exhibition). But an "exciting addition" for this coming MACH is the inclusion of OEMs and Tier 1s in the 'UK Manufacturing Zone'. They will be drawn from the aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, nuclear and power generation, and yellow goods sectors. "We can announce that Airbus is exhibiting as a cornerstone of the 'UK Manufacturing Zone'; further companies will be joining very shortly," highlights Mr Sell, adding: "The new UK Manufacturing Zone will be an enormous presence within Hall 5." In support of this new area, there's an OEM/Tier 1 seminar programme that will deliver networking events, specifically designed for the UK supply chain. These will take place in a dedicated seminar theatre, with OEM key note speakers signed up. Key partnerships with other trade bodies for 2014 take in: AILU (Association of Industrial Laser Users); AWD (Association of Welding Distribution); BAF (British Abrasives Association); BTMA (British Turned Parts & Machined Component Manufacturers Association); CBM (Confederation of British Metalforming); Composites UK; GTMA (Gauge and Toolmakers Association); Institute of Metal Finishing; and the MMMA (Metalforming Machinery Makers Association). The AWD, which was a new attendee for 2012 and which took over 500 sq m, is expanding its presence to at least double that size, with the BAF and MMMA similarly boosting their MACH 2014 profile, Mr Sell underlines. A new attendee organisation is Composites UK, which has 200 members; and they will be joined by another new-to-MACH trade body, the Institute of Metal Finishing. On the education and training front, MACH 2014 is working in partnership with World Skills UK "as part of the organisation's continuing commitment to building the UK's manufacturing skills base". This will see six regional skills competitions held over three days at the exhibition: milling, turning, welding, sheet metalworking, CAD and industrial electronics. The MTA is also preparing bespoke curriculum materials to support visits by students to MACH 2014: the organiser expects some 2,500 students to visit the show, in fact. This will help knit together their school/college work with their visit to MACH. "And those that can't get to MACH can still download the materials from the web," Mr O'Donnell emphasises. For those attending, there'll be organised tours, taking in latest technology working and cutting under power. Of key importance in this is the fact that it is apprentices from MTA member companies that front the tours and impart information to those of not dissimilar age. Renishaw, Sandvik Coromant, 600 Group and Yamazaki Mazak were companies that put their apprentices at the service of visiting students in 2012. And providing key attractions for this group will be Rotherham Advanced Manufacturing Park-based Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing's MANTRA truck. A travelling showcase for advanced engineering, this most recently kicked off the Global Manufacturing Festival in Sheffield. Bloodhound SSC is also expected, unless it starts its world land speed effort in South Africa, in which case there'll be a live link. While both the above were elements at MACH 2012, new for this year is a hands-on 'try your hand at welding' – that's simulated welding, of course. All in all, there is a definite buzz around the forthcoming manufacturing technology and manufacturing event. And with a number of new elements, the show is set to be a must-visit event for next year. MACH 2012 draws 20,000+ visitors