Q&A: GTMA build-up to its Manufacturing Solutions UK event and reveal how it incorporates metrology

We are a week away from GTMA and AMUK’s Manufacturing Solutions UK event, which is taking place on Thursday 14^th September (9:00am to 2:30pm). In the lead-up to the event, Manufacturing Quality had the opportunity to chat with Alan Arthur, Chief Executive Officer at GTMA, and David Beattie, General Manager at GTMA. We discussed what attendees can expect from the event, its keynote speakers, and how the organisers have incorporated the topic of metrology into proceedings.

MQ: What can we expect from the Manufacturing Solutions UK event?

GTMA: This is our annual event showcasing the UK Manufacturing Supply Chain, this year including our ‘Make Measurement Matter’ initiative and featuring a cluster of Additive Manufacturing Technologies. The exhibition is in the main hangar at RSAF Cosford, with the stands located around the various aircraft and ancillary vehicles. There will be over 50 companies exhibiting at this event, we are expecting it to be a busy day. Speakers include senior members of the delivery teams at Rolls Royce, key messages will be around supply into the defence and aerospace industries.

MQ: The event is poised to highlight the technologies and services at the heart of the drive to ‘improve efficiency and productivity while reducing waste and environmental impact.’ Can you elaborate on that?

GTMA: With the drive for net zero and the need for the security of supply chains in a disrupted global economy there is naturally a desire to reshore manufacturing. Reducing and achieving transparency of the carbon footprint is at the heart of the current push for supply chain partnerships. This event provides a platform for networking, sharing best practices, and making new connections. The OEMs and top-tier companies are seeking new partnerships and the UK supply chain companies are looking to broaden their exposure to new commercial sectors. Feedback from previous Manufacturing Solutions UK events demonstrates the value gained by exhibitors, speakers, and attendees.

MQ: Why have you chosen to incorporate metrology within the event’s key topics?

GTMA: Adopting the old adage “If you can’t measure it, you can’t make it”, measurement technology sits at the centre of all quality manufacturing strategies, it is a natural move to align the metrology theme to the manufacturing discussions at this event.

MQ: For those interested in all things metrology, what should be at the top of their itinerary when attending the event?

GTMA: There are exacting standards for manufacture in the precision and repeatability required for the defence and aerospace sectors and the measurement technologies are moving forward at a fast pace. Data processing and remote sensing technology are key elements along with improved materials and optics. The event will showcase the best on offer. Demonstrations will be ‘applications based’ and of interest to all manufacturers operating in these sectors.

MQ: The event is being hosted at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands. How does this tie into the UK’s advanced manufacturing story so far?

GTMA: Holding this at RAF Cosford allows for networking in a relaxed environment, surrounded by iconic aircraft of the past. The location is easy to access for the West Midlands companies in these sectors with excellent motorway and rail links to the wider UK cities. It will also tap into companies in the automotive supply chains looking to diversify with large players including JLR in close proximity. Advanced technology spans the manufacturing sectors, core competencies and capabilities are transferable between industries. The UK has a great history of manufacturing and a bright future.

MQ: Visitors can expect to hear from two keynote speakers at Rolls Royce. What kind of metrology/inspection insights can we expect?

GTMA: We expect the speakers to provide a clear view of current and future supply chain opportunities, flagging up the challenges and engagement strategies they have in place to secure partnerships with supply chain companies.

Tickets are still available for the Manufacturing Solutions UK event.