Olympian to fire the starting gun for MACH 2012

Organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), MACH 2012 is the UK's biggest exhibition dedicated to advanced and precision manufacturing technologies. The event will be officially opened this year by Steve on Monday April 16 at 1 pm. He will be joined by Simon Pollard, president of the MTA, and Stephen Pegge, communications director at Lloyds TSB Commercial. This bi-annual trade event, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, showcases the latest and best in manufacturing technology and supply chain services. Graham Dewhurst, director general of the MTA, said: "MACH 2012 will show off what a rich and diverse sector this is. Registrations to visit are up by 15% on MACH 2010, with more than 460 exhibitors, from 40 different countries due to attend and some 5,000 tonnes of working machinery on display. It will allow people across the sector to network, do business, meet new suppliers and customers and evaluate the latest products on the market." The MTA estimates that turnover for the manufacturing technologies sector in the UK is about £1.2 billion, of which more than 80% is exported. And without manufacturing technology there can be no manufacturing, which contributes an estimated £140 billion a year to the UK economy, making the sector fundamental to the nation's economy, says the association. As well as some 33,000 sq m of exhibition space, the week-long event plays host to a seminar programme. The seminars continue the MACH 2012 theme of providing sector specific applications for new technologies. MACH also has an Education and Training zone to promote engineering-based manufacturing as a career to bright, young engineers and offering them tours by apprentices from member companies. Richard Holden, head of manufacturing a Lloyds TSB Commercial, said: "The UK already has a manufacturing sector to be proud of and Lloyds TSB Commercial recognises the importance of these manufacturers for our economic resurgence. They are driving the recovery; in last two years the sector has accounted for a fifth of the UK's economic growth, so there has never been a more important time to keep the spotlight on manufacturing and MACH 2012 does just this. "It is great to have someone as high profile at Steve Backley to open the event. Lloyds TSB Commercial is delighted to also be supporting it this year and our trained and accredited managers will be on hand to discuss business and banking needs with all attendees. " For more information or to register to attend MACH 2012 for free go to: www.machexhibition.com