Manufacturing industry leaders from across the UK and Ireland are gathering in Belfast for the largest event of its kind in Northern Ireland.

The Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, in its 5th year, will be taking place at the Titanic Exhibition Centre on September 12.

The event will feature over a hundred trade stands as well as incorporating a comprehensive conference programme featuring free workshops and keynote speakers.

Exhibitors will range from business services through to innovative companies displaying the latest technological solutions for the industry.

Managing Director, Colin Murphy from organisers Premier Publishing & Events said the event will serve as a forum for manufacturers and operators involved throughout the associated supply chains from across Northern Ireland to gather to discuss pressing issues facing their industry.

He added: "Generating annual sales of about £20 billion, manufacturing is crucial to Northern Ireland’s economic development. Manufacturers directly employ 80,000 people while supporting further employment throughout the wider supply chain in every region of Northern Ireland. The manufacturing sector accounts for 13.4% of Northern Ireland’s economic output, significantly higher than the UK figure of 9.8%.

-- Advertisement --

"Not just that but Northern Ireland's manufacturers also generate almost half of the country’s external sales and more than half of export sales. The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will encompass the full manufacturing spectrum across the country, including the food and drink, biopharma, medtech, healthcare, engineering, transport, technology, building products, fabrics, polymers, packaging and renewables sectors."

Throughout the day the event will cover topical themes such as Manufacturing; Supply Chain & Logistics; Sustainability; Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement; Automation & Robotics; Procurement; 3D Printing; Hi-tech Manufacturing & Precision Engineering; IoT & Industry 4.0; and Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement.

Colin added: "The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will provide an ideal location for businesses to meet with Government agencies and supporting associations, and gain free advice from experts on how to improve operational performance.

"The Event will also provide networking zones to connect buyers and suppliers. Indeed, the layout of the Conference & Exhibition is intended to maximise the opportunity for visitors to network and make new contacts."

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast is free. Tickets are available from www.northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register