Manufacturers from across the Midlands will be demonstrating their resilience in the face of a slowing sector when they take part in the region’s foremost manufacturing exhibition.
The exhibition, organised by manufacturing membership organisation Made in the Midlands (MIM), takes place at a time of increasing turmoil for the sector with increasing economic headwinds, the uncertainty of Brexit, US steel tariffs and job cuts at two of the Midlands’ best known manufacturers - Rolls-Royce and Jaguar Land Rover.
With the industry at a tipping point, the 200+ manufacturers participating in the event will be out to demonstrate they will not be cowed by the current climate and are determined to demonstrate that the Midlands remains the engine room of the UK economy, producing high quality components for many of the crucially important supply chains such as those in automotive and aerospace.
MIM, which is the largest manufacturing membership-led organisation in the region, represents the interests of more than 400 manufacturers throughout the Midlands.
The exhibition, now in its ninth year, takes place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on June 21 and will feature a stellar array of industry talent extending across the SME, Tier One and OEM manufacturing spectrum.
Included amongst them are: IMI Precision Engineering, robotics group Fanuc - which has recently opened a new 107,000 sq ft base at Ansty Park, Queen’s Award for Enterprise winner Fortress Interlocks, refuse vehicle supplier Dennis Eagle, steel specialist Hadley Group, Siemens and automotive suppliers Arlington and Clamason.
All will be demonstrating their latest product innovations and services to an invited audience of buyers and industrial stakeholders.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street will be opening the event and a special attraction at this year’s show will be the Bloodhound Supersonic Car (SSC) for static display. The car will be the first to attempt to break the 1,000 mph barrier on land and set a new world land speed record in the process.
Jason Pitt, CEO, Made in the Midlands, said: “Made in the Midlands is a unique community of like-minded companies with a shared interest in promoting Midlands industry and this exhibition is the jewel in our crown.
“It showcases excellence in the manufacturing sector and over the nine years it has been held, has grown to be one of the biggest annual industrial shows in the Midlands.
“However, more than this, it is a show of resilience by the companies involved and an illustration that they will not be deterred from their goals by the negativity of many who say the industry is in crisis because of Brexit and strengthening economic headwinds.
“Our membership is proud to remain defiant in the face of such cynicism and is confident that by working together it will can overcome any challenge.”