Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA)

The UK’s national manufacturing show, MACH 2020, might still be five months away, but anticipation is building fast and the event is already set to be one of the industry’s highlights of the year. MACH is the longest-running manufacturing and engineering exhibition in the UK, showcasing the largest variety of manufacturing technology solutions in the country, all under one roof. Taking place at the NEC in Birmingham between 20th – 24th April, MACH 2020 is set to be one of the best exhibitions in the event’s long history.

More than 50% of engineering firms in the UK have taken on an apprentice in the last two years a new survey by the Manufacturing Technologies Association and Close Brothers Asset Finance, has found. The survey looked across a range of sectors, including Food and Drink, Retail, Recruitment and Services, finding that the only other sector employing apprentices at a similar rate to Engineering firms was Construction.

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) is delighted to announce that Future Engineering Ireland (FEI) will once again be part of the National Supply Chain and Manufacturing Conference & Exhibition in Dublin in January 2020. Following the success of the event in January of this year, the organisers have extended the exhibition to cover two-days. The 2020 edition of FEI will take place on 29-30th January at CItyWest, Dublin.

A new survey, by the Manufacturing Technologies Association and Close Brothers Asset Finance, has found that many manufacturing and engineering firms are not planning to take advantage of the increase of the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA). From 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020 a temporary increase in the AIA has been introduced by the government. This is to enable faster tax relief for plant and machinery investments between £200,000 and £1 million, with the aim to help businesses to invest and grow.

The 15th April holds a special place in the history of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), as it was on this date in 1919 that the Association was founded and the first meeting of its members held. To mark the 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. 

We are just about gathering our thoughts from a busy and successful MACH 2018, and now the next one is practically just round the corner. Last week Electronic Specifier’s Anna Flockett went up to the University of Wolverhampton to learn what is to be in store for MACH 2020, and for a factory tour around the university facilities.