MTA annual dinner sets the scene for MACH 2018

The event, which is always a highlight of the manufacturing calendar, was attended by 500 guests from across the MTA’s membership, the wider manufacturing community and beyond.

MTA president Geoff Bryant gave the keynote speech with a call that highlighted how the MTA can make a difference for its members in areas like exporting, policy and education.

He said: “Our sector, represented by the MTA, is uniquely placed for two reasons: firstly, because of how connected and integral we are to the rest of the economy – everything begins with manufacturing technology. Secondly is how closely we reflect investment – the key driver of manufacturing growth and productivity.

“Looking ahead we can only improve productivity by producing more with the same workforce. It is the job of all of us in this room and our industry to provide the advanced technology to make more with the workforce available to us.”

Mr Bryant also looked ahead to MACH 2018, hosted from 9-13 April. The halls at NEC are almost sold out and the buoyancy of the industry which that reflects was much in evidence on the night as members celebrated success and looked forward to more to come.

Guests also heard from Lord Henley, Minister at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy about the Government’s commitment to manufacturing and a strong economy.

The evening had a charitable side too, as over £6,000 was raised by an auction in aid of Engineers Without Borders UK.

MACH exhibition www.bit.ly/MACH2018

MTA www.mta.org.uk