EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

MACH 2026 Reveals Seminar Programme

MACH 2026 (NEC Birmingham, 20-24 April), the UK’s national flagship event for the manufacturing and engineering industry, has announced its seminar programme. An impressive line-up of expert speakers across three lecture theatres includes representatives from Lloyds Bank, Make UK and the AMRC. At the seminars, attendees will gain practical insights into emerging technologies, evolving market trends and key strategic approaches.

A new feature for MACH 2026 is the launch of Speakers Corner, a dedicated platform designed to connect attendees directly with exhibitors and their innovations. Located in Hall 17, these fast-paced presentations will give attendees immediate access to the latest products, services and technology advancements. Built for busy professionals, the programme will consist of sharp, concise 20-minute sessions.

More information www.bit.ly/4lwf2M9

GrindingHub set for US

GrindingHub, a major grinding and surface finishing exhibition hosted in Germany, is expanding internationally. The very first GrindingHub Americas will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 18-20, 2027. “With next year’s GrindingHub Americas, we are setting up the first and only specialist trade fair in North America dedicated exclusively to grinding technology,” says Sebastian Esswein, board member for Messe Stuttgart. “The great thing about Cincinnati is its prime location at the heart of key production clusters, particularly for the automotive and aerospace industries.” 

More information www.grindinghub.de/en

42 Technology joins British Engines Group

42 Technology, a Cambridge-based product development and manufacturing innovation consultancy, has been acquired by British Engines Group, an independent engineering group founded in 1922 with 1600 people worldwide. 42T is now one of nine businesses within the group.Under the new ownership, 42T will continue to operate as an independent consultancy, retaining its brand, leadership team and way of working. The acquisition enables 42T to pursue larger and more ambitious opportunities, supported by the group’s global reach, engineering depth and investment capacity. 

More information www.britishengines.com

Third AMUK Annual Action Plan released

Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) has published its third Annual Action Plan, which provides an in-depth analysis of the UK additive manufacturing sector. The plan includes updates on member-led initiatives, identifies key challenges facing the industry and sets out a strategic path for the next 12 months. It also focuses on how AMUK can help turn the UK’s R&D strength into economic growth and sovereign capability while establishing the UK as a world leader in the development, adoption and application of 3D printing and additive manufacturing technology.

More information www.bit.ly/4lleWar

Concerns remain about discrimination of women at work

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of female manufacturing leaders still experience gender-based discrimination in 2026, according to research released to coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March. The survey of 101 senior figures across the UK, commissioned by personalised workwear provider MyWorkwear, revealed statistics of women who continue to be concerned about personal security and harassment at UK factories.

In explaining why female manufacturing leaders did not feel safe in the workplace, physical safety was cited as the number one reason, followed by personal security (such as lone working), ill-fitting PPE or workwear, and then bullying or harassment. On a more positive note, 72% of respondents felt they now receive equal pay for the work carried out.

More information www.bit.ly/4s136EX