Manufacturing is moving fast, and suppliers are under pressure to keep up. From the rise of smart factories to the push for supply chain resilience, subcontractors, materials specialists and precision engineers are expected to offer more than just components. Advances in sheet metal fabrication, surface engineering, cutting machining, 3D printing and automation are changing the field of play, and those who don’t adapt risk being left behind explains Simon Farnfield, event director at Advanced Engineering UK, the annual gathering of engineering and manufacturing professionals.
Industry events, like Advanced Engineering, are drawing more attention as manufacturers seek new ways to stay competitive. Suppliers now have extra opportunities to showcase how their expertise addresses real-world production challenges, with focus moving from cutting costs to flexibility and the ability to deliver high-quality solutions quickly.
As 2024 visitor Josh Surga, engineer at Rolls Royce, put it: “This is my second time at Advanced Engineering, and it’s invaluable for keeping my finger on the pulse of industry innovations. I came specifically to explore composites, and I’ve discovered new suppliers and technologies I didn’t even know existed.
“The event provides a unique opportunity to engage with suppliers in a low-pressure environment—there’s no hard sell, just a chance to explore and connect. It’s the best way to stay exposed to new offerings all in one place.”
Subcontractors’ role
A trend that we are seeing is the move toward reshoring and nearshoring. Recent geopolitical uncertainties and rising costs have led many companies to reconsider their reliance on overseas suppliers.
In fact, more than half of UK manufacturers are now reshoring their supply chains, a process in which companies move production from overseas to the countries where goods are sold. In turn, this is driving demand for subcontractors to offer end-to-end solutions, rapid turnaround times and adaptable production models.
Subcontractors are key to reshoring, providing the specialist skills and supply chain resilience manufacturers need to succeed. They offer advanced fabrication, machining and surface engineering without major in-house investment, while also scaling production quickly to meet demand. With 90 per cent of UK manufacturers reporting reshoring success, reliable subcontractors are making the transition faster and more cost-effective.
Advanced Engineering is the ideal platform for subcontractors looking to demonstrate their expertise in this evolving landscape. The event brings together Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs and key decision-makers, making it an essential stop for businesses looking to position themselves at the forefront of reshoring efforts.
Metals services
At the same time, manufacturers are pushing for stronger, lighter and more durable materials, with advances in metal services and surface engineering. This is particularly important in industries like aerospace and automotive, where components must withstand high stress, extreme temperatures and corrosive environments, while remaining lightweight to enhance fuel efficiency and sustainability.
As a result, metal services and surface engineering are evolving to meet these needs. Advanced alloys, coatings and precision fabrication techniques are enabling manufacturers to develop parts that offer greater strength-to-weight ratios, improved wear resistance and enhanced corrosion protection.
It’s therefore no surprise to see the global sheet metal fabrication market being on track to grow at a CAGR of seven per cent from 2024 to 2030, driven by demand for precision-engineered components that can perform in extreme conditions.
Manufacturing game changers
Manufacturing is changing faster than you might think, and two of the biggest game-changers are AI-driven machining and 3D printing. As for the former, AI is enhancing efficiency and reducing cycle times in machining processes as, for instance, a utility company implemented AI for predictive maintenance and process optimisation in its CNC machining operations and achieved a 20 per cent increase in equipment uptime.
The company also reported a 15 per cent reduction in maintenance costs. That means faster production and a lot less downtime, because AI is all about making machines work smarter, not harder.
At the same time, 3D printing isn’t just for prototypes anymore. Not only are manufacturers are now using it to produce actual end-use parts, but more than 45 per cent of respondents of the 3D Printing Trend Report 2024 say that lead time was the main reason why they opted for 3D printing over other manufacturing methods — up from 44 per cent in 2023.
It’s a massive shift because it means companies can design and manufacture in completely new ways — cutting out complex tooling, reducing material waste and making stronger, lighter components that traditional methods just can’t match. It also means that supply chains get simpler, instead of waiting weeks for overseas suppliers, manufacturers can print parts locally, on demand.
For visitors like Mike Knaus, R&D Engineer at ABB, this transformation is exactly why Advanced Engineering is a valuable event. “I’ve been to Advanced Engineering a few times now, and my main reason for visiting is for 3D printing,” said Mike. “I find all of the new technology around 3D Printing really interesting, especially the innovation features. They are a nice touch to the show.”
Smart manufacturing in one place
And then there’s smart manufacturing, where — along with AI — IoT and automation aren’t just buzzwords anymore. Sensors now track machine performance in real-time, feeding data into AI-driven systems that fine-tune production schedules for maximum efficiency. The results speak for themselves, companies integrating smart manufacturing effectively have reported productivity gains of up to 25 per cent.
Yet, despite the clear advantages, many manufacturers are still struggling with implementation. Upgrading legacy systems to work seamlessly with new digital tools is no small feat, and integrating AI-driven automation requires more than just investment. A workforce that can adapt is required, yet the skills gap remains one of the biggest hurdles, with nearly 80 per cent of UK manufacturers citing it as a major barrier to adopting advanced technologies.
As the divide grows between those embracing smart manufacturing and those lagging behind, suppliers have a huge opportunity to step in. Whether it’s helping manufacturers digitalise their processes, offering expertise in cutting-edge materials or providing flexible subcontracting solutions, those who position themselves as enablers of innovation will be the ones driving the industry forward.
Advanced Engineering 2025 provides the perfect platform for suppliers to connect with manufacturers actively seeking these solutions. With thousands of decision-makers from Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs in attendance, it’s the ideal opportunity to showcase innovations in automation, digitalisation, materials and subcontracting services.
For businesses looking to get in front of the right audience, there’s no better place to be. Secure your stand today at www.advancedengineeringuk.com and make an enquiry, but don’t hesitate as space is selling out fast.
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