Editor’s comment for April 2024

Well it’s that time again. MACH 2024 is looming ever larger on the horizon and here I am writing my comment for the April show issue. I’m pleased to advise that we’ve exceeded a hundred pages so a heartfelt thanks to all advertisers and editorial contributors alike.

Since I became editor of PES back in 2007, the significance of MACH shows has remained a constant in the UK manufacturing industry despite some pretty severe economic and social conditions. I remember just after MACH 2008 we had the global economic crisis – the worst financial meltdown since the Great Depression. MACH 2010 did take place but it was a shadow of the event two years earlier. The crisis hit hard and it hurt everybody.

But the world bounced back – and so did the industry. In 2012, MACH celebrated its centenary year and things remained relatively stable until the pandemic actually forced the cancellation of MACH 2020. No-one could have predicted that one.

But all that’s in the past. As is traditional with PES’ MACH show issue, I caught up with the current MTA president – which means Nikken Europe’s CEO Tony Bowkett drew the short straw. Tony is ideal for the position because of his vast industry experience and the fact that he heads up a very successful company with ultimate responsibility for Nikken in Europe. Nikken has exhibited at every MACH show since 1991.

Tony has been on the MTA board since 2009 and was vice-president until 2014. He’s keen to emphasise the excellent work the MTA does on behalf of the industry and refers to its staff as ‘unsung heroes’ because much of that work is done behind the scenes. Lobbying government is often a thankless frustrating task but it’s vitally important.

A personal quest for Tony is to grow the MTA membership because, as a voice for the industry, critical mass is so important. He’ll also highlight the fact that the association exists for all manufacturers not just those involved with metalcutting. Additionally, he’ll use his term in office to stress the point that being an MTA member represents excellent value for money. Take a look at the article on pages 24-25.

So let’s look forward to what I’m sure will be a busy, vibrant and (hopefully) profitable show for us all. If previous attendances are anything to go by, there should be around 25,000 visitors making the pilgrimage to the NEC in Birmingham from 15-19 April to take in all the cutting-edge technology and innovation on show.

Finally, I’m happy to advise that the PES team will be out in force and we’d be delighted to welcome you to our stand (6-50) at the event. See you there!