3 min read - 27 Nov, 2025
MTA opens visitor registrations for MACH 2026
In just over four months, MACH 2026 will open its doors at the NEC, Birmingham, to over 30,000 members of the manufacturing community – bringing together buyers, sellers, specifiers and designers. The biennial event offers an opportunity to experience new technology, live and in action, and is perfectly timed for UK manufacturers preparing for growth in capacity and capability.
Registration is now open for the event owned and organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), and sponsored by Lloyds, which is the UK’s largest for inspiring, innovating and connecting the manufacturing community.
All aspects of manufacturing technology will be on display across five halls of the NEC from 20-24 April 2026, including machine tools, cutting tools, metrology equipment, additive manufacturing, robotics and automation, metal forming and fabrication technology, and specialist software.
Building on the success of their debut at MACH 2024, the interactive Knowledge Hubs will return for 2026, providing manufacturers with practical guidance on adopting new technologies, helping them tackle challenges, boost performance and improve competitiveness by connecting with the right experts and suppliers.
With new and returning exhibitors showcasing the full spectrum of UK manufacturing technologies, visitor registration is now open for MACH 2026 / Picture: MTA
Strategically located across the show floor, the Knowledge Hubs will focus on key industry topics including automation and robotics, additive manufacturing, data and AI, and consumable tooling. They are designed to provide visitors with impartial advice and signpost them around the show, as well as provide invaluable insights into when and how to invest in technology that drives improvements in productivity, efficiency and operational costs.
The Machining & Tooling Knowledge Hub is a particular focus for MACH 2026 and is supported by a wide range of tooling companies, including Ceratizit, Iscar Tools, Horn, Guhring, ZCC Cutting Tools, Kyocera, Europa Tools, Mapal and Mitsubishi. A key part of the Hub is a seminar theatre where informative presentations will take place, covering subjects including how to apply the latest cutting tool technologies, plus pointers on selecting the most suitable insert geometries. The programme is designed to empower manufacturers to work faster, better, and more cost-effectively.
The MTA operates as an organisational cluster which includes the trade associations Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) and Engineering Supply Chain UK (ESCUK), with both represented at MACH with their own dedicated zones. The AMUK Knowledge Hub will provide impartial advice on how additive manufacturing technology can be adopted into the manufacturing process and applied for best results. As sponsors of the Supply Chain Zone, ESCUK will help promote capacity and capability from within the UK, supporting its members to do more business.
James Fudge, head of operations at the MTA, said: “MACH is the only show that offers thousands of visitors a fantastic opportunity to explore and see live demonstrations of a wide range of the latest manufacturing technologies and techniques, all under one roof, in one week, without leaving the UK. This year’s event is a fabulous opportunity to learn about new technology and how this can be harnessed to improve productivity and efficiency.
“The Knowledge Hub areas are spearheading our drive to help manufacturers integrate new technologies into their processes and manufacturing systems. The event also offers invaluable face-to-face opportunities to meet new suppliers and strengthen existing relationships, helping businesses stay ahead in a rapidly evolving sector.”
The Education and Development (E&D) Zone, sponsored by Iscar Tools, is the educational hub at MACH 2026, designed for students keen to explore what engineering-based manufacturing can offer them as a future career and to help them find their pathway to engineering.
James Fudge adds: “The E&D Zone showcases the MTA’s commitment to attracting new talent into the sector. We have nearly 3,000 students due to attend in the key age range of 11-18. The zone is designed as an engaging experience and will demonstrate what a career in advanced manufacturing looks like.”
To find out more about MACH 2026 and to register your attendance, visit the website.
