Moving MACH forward

The 2016 edition of the exhibition was a huge success: All stand space was sold, there was a 10% increase in visitors on the 2014 event, and more than £150 million worth of business can be attributed to the show. The MTA has now officially launched the 2018 edition of the manufacturing technologies showcase.

MACH 2018 will take place on the atrium side of the NEC, in Halls 17, 18, 19, 20, 6 and 7. This is the first time the show has moved since relocating to the NEC when it opened in 1976 and it reflects the changing technologies the show covers. 

The new halls mean the show will take place in a single uninterrupted space - on one level, making it easier to navigate for visitors and providing an opportunity to showcase the full UK supply chain under one roof. 

James Selka, CEO, commented: “The shift in technology towards a more digitised, automated model of manufacturing is an exciting evolution of the sector, of which MACH is at the forefront. As such, we as owners and organisers, have decided to refresh the show and enhance the exhibitor and visitor experience by moving to this new location in 2018.”

As well as the move to new halls, the exhibition will also focus on Industry 4.0 technologies. James Fudge, Head of Events at the MTA, said “We understand the importance of reflecting the whole of UK manufacturing within the exhibition and the shift towards greater automation within production. With the application of digital technologies to manufacturing, the theme of interconnectivity will be reflected throughout the show.”

Ballots 1, 2 and 3 have now taken place with over 18,000 sq.m. of space allocated already. Exhibitors have been quick to secure their spots on the floor plans and the amount of space allocated for 2018 is slightly ahead of 2016’s for the comparable time period. Live floor plans can be found on the MACH 2018 website at machexhibition.com.