Following a period of unprecedented change and upheaval in the manufacturing and supply chain sector over the past 18 months the organisers of The National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition are delighted to announce that the event will take place at the RDS Simmonscourt on November 23 and 24. 

Global robotics and automation specialist FANUC, who have recently established a dedicated presence in Ireland, have been confirmed as the headline sponsor.

Following the success of the 2020 event, which attracted more than 8,500 visitors, featured 467 exhibitors, the 2021 National Manufacturing Conference & Exhibition will again be held over two days – on November 23-24 – at the Simmonscourt, RDS, in Dublin in order to meet growing demand.

Indeed, the 2020 National Manufacturing Conference & Exhibition set a new record in terms of its scale and visitor numbers, confirming its status as the largest event of its kind in Ireland.

Incorporating a comprehensive conference programme and an extensive exhibition area displaying the latest technological solutions and business services available, the 2021 National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is expected to at least generate the same level of interest.

Currently in its eighth year, the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition serves as a national forum for manufacturers and operators involved throughout the associated supply chains from across Ireland – north and south – to gather to discuss pressing issues facing Irish industry.

It is now firmly established as an All-Ireland ‘must-attend’ annual event, which successfully connects key stakeholders across the full spectrum of Irish manufacturing, including the food, drink, pharmaceutical, medical, chemical, life sciences and electronics sectors.

The National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is designed to reflect the crucial importance of manufacturing to the Irish economy. Employing over 250,000 people, the manufacturing industry accounts for 32% of Ireland’s GDP – significantly higher than the European average of 15% and Germany at 21%.

Manufacturing also plays a key role in helping to redress the regional imbalance in the Irish economy with more than 80% of operations based outside of Dublin.

New era

Irish manufacturing and its associated supply chain are due to enter a new era in 2022 following the exit by Great Britain of the EU. New trading arrangements between the UK and the EU are having profound implications for manufacturers on both sides of the Irish border.

The 2021 National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is timely in this regard and will provide practical advice on how to manage the challenges of ‘Brexit’ while also highlighting some of the new opportunities.

Sustainability

Following the publication of the Climate Action Report the manufacturing sector in Ireland is committed to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. Significant investment is required in energy reduction, water use reduction and an increased emphasis on recycling and the circular economy.

Another major challenge facing the Irish manufacturing industry is adapting to the disruptive changes generated by the digital revolution and the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (Industry 4.0). This upheaval is creating both obstacles and opportunities for Irish manufacturers and their supply chain operators, who must evolve accordingly by adopting new technologies and skill sets.

The 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will highlight the key trends and challenges facing the industry, while also offering practical solutions, as well as showcasing the latest innovations, developments in best practice and new technological advances.

Co-located events

A distinctive feature of the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is that it incorporates several complementary events – all under one roof. The co-located events in 2021 will cover sectors including: Automation & Robotics; IOT & Industry 4.0; 3 D Printing; Medtech & Biotech; Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences; Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement; Procurement; Plastics, Printing & Packaging; Supply Chain & Logistics; and Sustainability.

Visitors are free to move between the different events.

Organiser

In addition to producing successful business-to-business magazines for almost a quarter of a century, Dublin-based Premier Publishing & Events also organise some of the largest conferences and exhibitions tailored to the specific requirements of the manufacturing industry and its associated supply chain in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Registration for the 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is now open at www.manufacturingevent.com