If you specify, purchase or work with metal based components and systems, UK Metals Expo 2026 is the one event you should have in your diary. Returning to NEC Birmingham on 4 and 5 November 2026, it is where the UK metals and manufacturing community comes together to tackle real challenges, explore new solutions and move projects forward. All under one roof.
Unlike broad, generalist industry gatherings, UK Metals Expo is built around the end to end metals supply chain. Under one roof you will find primary producers, stockholders, processors, fabricators, surface treatment experts, recyclers and technology providers, alongside engineers and manufacturers responsible for specifying, purchasing and maintaining metal based components and systems. All in one focused, two day event. Whether you are looking to strengthen your supply chain, evaluate new materials or find a more competitive supplier, the answers are on the show floor.
Serious buyers, active projects
The 2025 edition hosted almost 300 exhibitors and attracted decision makers from organisations such as BAE Systems, TATA Steel, Boeing, JLR, Nissan, GKN Aerospace, JCB, Airbus, Leonardo and Balfour Beatty, companies actively investing in UK based capability, resilience and sustainable sourcing.
Exhibitors for 2026 already include Swiss Steel, Hydro Aluminium, Behringer, Bridgnorth Aluminium and Van Leeuwen, underlining the breadth of the market now using the event as a strategic sourcing and collaboration platform. The 2026 edition will run alongside Advanced Engineering and Lab Innovations, creating a cross sector hub that connects materials suppliers, manufacturing engineers, R&D and quality teams across multiple industries.
Insight that supports investment decisions
Running alongside the exhibition is a free‑to‑attend conference programme that tackles the issues shaping metals use and recycling in manufacturing and engineering. Planned topics for 2026 include:
- Green steel revolution: Port Talbot’s arc furnace construction and its impact on green steel and scrap metal markets
- CBAM countdown: Preparing for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, effective January 2027
- Decarbonisation realities: Pathways and challenges for low‑carbon metals
- Supply chain resilience: Reshoring, local content and risk‑proofing strategies
- Material innovation: New alloys and lightweight solutions for performance gains
- Industry 4.0 in metals: AI, automation and the skills gap
Speakers from producers, OEMs, technology innovators and trade bodies will share case studies and lessons learned, giving you the context you need to justify investment in new equipment, suppliers and processes.
A strategic two days at the NEC
With major projects moving from planning to delivery in infrastructure, energy, transport and advanced manufacturing, UK Metals Expo 2026 offers a time efficient way for manufacturing and production engineers to survey the market, compare solutions and strengthen their supply chains, while also tapping into the innovation communities brought together by Advanced Engineering and Lab Innovations.
Find out more: www.ukmetalsexpo.com or register to attend.
