Established in 1919 the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) has been at the core of the UK’s engineering-based manufacturing economy for over a century.

The MTA exists to promote the interests, and be the voice, of the engineering-based manufacturing technologies sector in the UK.

The Manufacturing Technologies Association is the UK trade association for companies in the manufacturing technology sector.  MTA members design, manufacture and supply the advanced machinery, equipment and intellectual property that enable the creation of the products we rely on every day and ­­­that drive our economy.

The expanding scope of the engineering and manufacturing technologies sector has seen the MTA evolve to ensure it remains a truly representative organisation. This is evidenced by the new MTA cluster, which encompasses the Engineering Industries Association (EIA) and AMUK.

Key aspects of manufacturing technology include:

  • Machine Tools
  • Cutting Tools
  • Metrology (measuring) Equipment
  • Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
  • Surface Finishing
  • Automation and Robotics
  • Computer Aided Design and manufacturing products (CAD/CAM)

As well as the technology enabling the digitalisation of manufacturing, the MTA has a strong focus on emerging technologies developing through programmes such as Decarbonisation and Sustainability, together with Space Exploration and much more. Led by the manufacturing sector, decarbonisation offers major opportunities for the UK economy, not only in terms of higher output, but in terms of raising long term productivity and creating sustainable long-term growth and jobs.

The MTA delivers:

  • Marketing support and networking opportunities
  • Specific and relevant economic and technical market intelligence
  • Representation to Government and other stakeholders
  • Help and guidance for exporters
  • Support for learning and development within member companies and beyond.

The MTA also owns and runs the national manufacturing exhibition, MACH, which is the UK’s premier event showcasing manufacturing technologies. The biennial exhibition, held at the NEC, attracts over 25,000 visitors, some 600 exhibitors and the last event, MACH 2022, saw more than £180,000,000 of business attributed to it.