UK Metals Expo is the premier event that brings together the entire metals supply chain with the manufacturing and engineering community from 11-12 September 2024 at the NEC Birmingham.
This free-to-attend exhibition and conference will feature a wide range of innovative products, services, and interactive sessions led by top experts such as United Autosports, Celtic Freeport, ADS Group, Frog Bikes, Volvo Cars, William Hare, GS1 UK, Walsall Wheelbarrow Company, Tata Steel, Marcegaglia, Make UK, Outokumpu, Norsk Hydro, CELSA Steel UK, LIBERTY Steel Group, EMR Group, CRU, and MTC.
The show is the premier marketplace for both domestic and international exhibitors in the industry with over 300 leading companies participating, providing immersive live demonstrations, product launches and interactive displays.
The conference program, with 50 sessions and over 100 leading practitioners spread across four stages, provides attendees with valuable insights into the current state of the metal industry and the emerging technologies and strategies that are shaping its future.
"It is the most important event yet and completely free to attend," emphasised Lord Rupert Redesdale, Chair of UK Metals Expo. "As we convene at UK Metals Expo, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment for our country and the steel industry. With a new government comes new hopes, new directions, and new opportunities. The recent announcement by Tata Steel and British Steel regarding the UK’s shift from blast to electric arc furnaces is integral to this transformation."
He continued, "Accelerating our efforts towards decarbonization and achieving net-zero emissions is not merely a goal but an imperative. This transition highlights the urgent need for a robust industrial strategy that will shape the future of the UK metals supply chain and profoundly impact the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Together, we are engaging in dialogues that will define this future."
Lord Redesdale concluded, "The UK confronts significant challenges and opportunities in its journey to achieve net-zero emissions through advanced materials and manufacturing. A thriving domestic metals sector is fundamental to our success. This event will facilitate collaborations, unveil new initiatives, and explore solutions."
Day 1 of the expo, on 11th September, will start with a keynote by Tata Steel UK’s CEO, who will share the vision of Tata Steel’s sustainable steelmaking future in the UK.
This will be followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion on sustainable practices, such as remanufacturing and recycling across the automotive, aerospace, and wind sectors. Experts from NMIS, Boeing, and Renewable Parts Ltd will share innovative approaches to extend product lifecycles and enhance resource efficiency.
Technological innovation remains a cornerstone, with panels exploring the integration of automation and human elements in manufacturing processes. Representatives from Walsall Wheelbarrow Company, MTC, and Automate UK will discuss strategies to leverage technology while maintaining workforce dynamics.
Lastly, sessions focusing on advancements in non-ferrous and light metals, as well as collaborative efforts in titanium manufacturing, highlight efforts to foster industry resilience and innovation. Panellists from IOM3, MTC, and Innoval Technology will outline strategic initiatives and collaborative models shaping the future of these sectors.
Day 2 of UK Metals Expo 2024 continues with a robust agenda focusing on industry insights and innovations.
The day begins with the unveiling of the State of the UK Metals Industry report, featuring perspectives from industry leaders including In-Comm Training, the Cast Metals Federation, UK Metals Council, and the British Stainless Steel Association. This panel discussion sets the stage by providing critical insights into industry challenges and strategic directions.
In parallel, the "Advancing Structural Steelwork Reuse" session underlines the importance of sustainability in construction. Speakers from the University of Sheffield, BCSA, William Hare Ltd, Cleveland Steel & Tubes Ltd, and Deconstruct will explore technical advancements and procurement strategies facilitating steel reuse.
Another significant session, "Aluminium manufacturing with recycled scrap," discusses the transition towards sustainable aluminium production. Experts from EMR Group, Brunel University, Frog Bikes, and Volvo Cars will highlight innovations in post-consumer scrap recycling and its environmental benefits.
The Stainless Steel Market panel brings together industry experts from MEPS International Ltd, Trasteel International SA, and Langley Alloys to analyse market trends and pricing dynamics shaping the stainless steel industry across various sectors.
Decarbonisation remains a pivotal topic with a panel on "How to extract the highest social value from decarbonisation of steel?" This session features insights from Net Zero Industry Wales, University of Leeds, Swansea University, Celtic Freeport, and Tata Steel Europe, exploring strategies for sustainable steel production and its socio-economic impacts.
A crucial midday session, "The EU and UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM)," addresses the impacts of separate emissions trading schemes post-Brexit. Experts from Make UK (UK Steel), Cbamboo, CarbonChain, and Tata Steel UK will discuss the implications of CBAM on exporters, focusing on carbon pricing and future costs.
Later in the day, the "Meet the Funder + Networking" session offers a platform for industry stakeholders to connect with potential investors. Panellists include representatives from Innovate UK, NMIS, Scottish Enterprise, NatWest Group, Advanced Propulsion Centre, and ZINC, focusing on securing funding for transformative projects in the metals sector.
The agenda concludes with discussions on digital legislation and the implications of product passports in the construction and metals industries. Speakers from Tata Steel UK, UrbanMASS, Kognitive, and GS1 UK will highlight upcoming regulations and strategies for compliance and supply chain efficiency.
For the full conference agenda, exhibitor list, floor plan, and to receive your free badge, please visit the website.