The organisers of Subcon and MACH have joined forces to create what they deem to be the UK's biggest manufacturing trade show in over 10 years.
Organised by MTA, MACH will start on 25 January and run for four days, while Subcon, run by MA Exhibitions, will take place 26-28 January 2021, after being postponed last month. Together, the two events will take over eight halls of the NEC Birmingham.
Following the impact Covid-19 has had and continues to have on the UK's manufacturing industry, both organisers decided pooling their resources, expertise and experience was the best way forwards in supporting the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Visitors to Subcon and MACH will have free access to a total of 10 events during the week: The Engineer Expo and Manufacturing Management Show running alongside Subcon; MACH; Drives and Controls co-located with Smart Industry Expo, Air-Tech Exhibition, Fluid Power + Systems and Plant + Asset Management.
Subcon Portfolio Director, Gordon Kirk, said: "By co-locating Subcon with MACH, we want to create a celebration of UK manufacturing and engineering, where we can showcase all of the amazing work that this industry has done in the battle against Covid-19, not just in the UK, but overseas as well.
"There are countless heroes who have stepped up to provide support to the frontline, pivoting their businesses at a moment's notice to build thousands of critical care ventilators, donate hundreds of thousands of face masks and bottles of hand sanitizer and produce kilometres of material for PPE and non-surgical gowns for patients.
"The extent to which these businesses have come together to help is extraordinary. We plan to celebrate each and every one of them at the event in January."
James Selka, DL, CEO of the MTA, added: "We are delighted to see other complementary shows taking place alongside the week of MACH in January. As the national show for manufacturing and engineering, the chance to bring more of our community together will be a great opportunity to showcase the work done this year and kick start our industry in 2021."
