At the end of February we gathered our members together for our annual dinner celebrations, at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza, in London. Every year we use this a chance to refresh our relationships with our members, get everyone in the same room together to toast the achievements of the last year and look to the future. 

This year was extra special because it was our Centenary Dinner – since 1919 the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) have been representing the interests of our members. 

A lot has changed in those 100 years. The first thing of note to mention would be the name, the Machine Tools Trade Association would later become the MTA. The change of the name is a vital part of the association’s history and speaks as to why so many companies from the manufacturing technology sector feel at home here. 

Manufacturers, importers and equipment suppliers come together, in a way that few of its international competitors have embraced, to represent the whole spectrum of manufacturing technology – from metal cutting and metal forming machine tools to software, tooling, controls, automation and new technologies such as additive manufacturing and smart systems.

Throughout its history, technologies have changed, the companies have changed, the nature of the UK machine tool sector has changed and even the name of the Association has changed, but one thing has remained constant; the association’s determination to represent its members best interests and help them do more business.  

To mark our centenary, members past and present have been contributing to a book ‘At the Heart of Manufacturing’, which charts the history of the association from inception to the present day. Our members have made a significant contribution to the world around us and the country we live in.  

The book is also a great record of how much technology has changed over the past 100 years; some of the manufacturing techniques of then would be unrecognisable today. 

Over time, changes inevitably happen and those who have survived changed and prospered, are those who have reacted to the world around them, changed their business models and embraced the new opportunities that have been presented to them.

We can’t look back without looking forward and right now we are on the cusp of change; the 4^th Industrial Revolution is here. Digitalisation will dominate the future and our members have the technology, the skills and the vision to lead this.

Long term thinking is need from Government and Policy makers. Through a modern industrial strategy, we must embrace these new opportunities and ensure that the UK changes its culture to one of long-term of investment. 

The MTA will push this message, we will continue to ensure the UK Manufacturing Technology sector has a strong voice and we can be sure our members will continue to push boundaries and shape the world around us in every more fascinating ways.

The Heart of Manufacturing will be available at the start of April and sent to all MTA members. If you would like a copy please email [email protected] with the subject line ‘The Heart of Mnaufacturing’.