Manufacturers including McLaren, Siemens, Mars, Airbus, The Royal Mint and Sunseeker are among those selected to take part in the Make it in Great Britain national exhibition which will take place at the Science Museum during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Beating competition from hundreds of UK companies, they will join around 40 others displaying the best that British industry has to offer. The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the dynamic, advanced and innovative products which are produced in the UK today.
Highlights of the event will include feats including the manufacturing journey of a Mars bar; ‘from bean to bar’, and a lightweight on-demand transport system, which has been piloted at Heathrow Terminal 5.
In support of the event, Business Minister Mark Prisk said that despite the important contribution of industry to the economy, the public had an outdated perception of manufacturing but he hoped the exhibition would help change these views.
“We have selected a really exciting mix of exhibits, from the manufacture of MRI magnets by Siemens, to the secrets behind McLaren’s winning team,” said Mr Prisk. “I hope that as many people as possible visit the exhibition and see all of the great examples of British design and manufacturing – it will be spectacular.”
Juergen Maier, managing director, Siemens Industry Sector UK, which will be exhibiting described the ability to exhibit as a “real honour” and said he hopes Siemens can help alter the public’s view of industry. “Alongside the other exhibitors, we’re committed to showing the world that British manufacturing is a dynamic sector offering great career and investment opportunities,” he said.
Wire joiners and tensioners manufacturer Gripple will also be present at the exhibition, showcasing its products. Mark Edmonds, managing director, said: “Innovation remains at the core of our business and Gripple continues to evolve to suit an expanding range of ground breaking applications.”
The exhibition is the culmination of the Make it in Great Britain campaign; an initiative launched by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills last year which aims to challenge outdated opinions of the UK manufacturing industry, worth approximately £130bn to the UK economy each year and employing 2.5 million people.
Make it in Great Britain organisers are still looking for the Make it in Great Britain 30 Under 30 – 30 young rising stars working in manufacturing, aged under 30. The deadline for nominating an outstanding worker has been extended to Friday 20 April.
The exhibition will be open from 24 July to 9 September, and is free to visit. For more information please visit www.bis.gov.uk/makeitingreatbritain.
