First National Manufacturing Day a ‘brilliant’ success

Companies across the UK opened their doors to visitors on 7 July for the first National Manufacturing Day, which was marked by a new report ranking manufacturers’ priorities for government.

NMD is a new initiative created by manufacturers’ organisation Make UK to encourage people to consider the possibility of a career in manufacturing, by allowing them to experience life inside a local manufacturing facility for themselves.

Manufacturers across the country participated through guided tours, technology demonstrations and events programmes.

A number of businesses and organisations took part in Greater Manchester, ranging from a 3D printing demonstration at Manchester Metropolitan University’s PrintCity to a full factory tour at packaging manufacturer Duo UK.

Dale Brimelow, Operations Director at Duo UK, told The Manufacturer:

“National Manufacturing Day is a brilliant initiative for the sector. We wanted to get involved as it gives us an opportunity to create awareness in our local community and wider region, showcasing the diverse range of job and career opportunities available for people in packaging manufacturing, so they can see for themselves what the work environment is like.”

Elsewhere, Booth Industries in Bolton set up stations around its facility for visitors, who included local MP Jonathan Reynolds (pictured).

To mark the occasion, Make UK also published a short report setting out the UK manufacturing sector’s potential for growth.

The report includes the results of a survey asking manufacturers to choose the top 3 initiatives they would like to see from policymakers.

More incentives for investment (such as the super-deduction capital allowance scheme) came out on top, followed by greater investment in apprenticeships, stronger local industrial strategies, increased support for exports, and improved infrastructure, transport and connectivity.