Which Manufacturing Association?

Becoming a member of an association can help your business become part of a broader network and unlock some great benefits!

In the rapidly evolving world of manufacturing, being part of the right association can open doors to networking, expertise, and opportunities to grow your business. The UK is home to a wide array of manufacturing associations, each offering unique benefits to its members. Here, we’ve compiled a list of key associations to help you decide which ones might be the best fit for your business.

At the end of this list, we’ll direct you to the Manufacturers Hub Association page for additional information shared by each association to help further their members' reach on our platform, and the contact details to help you reach them.

Manufacturing Associations to Consider

Robotics and Automation

• UK Robotics and AI Community (UK-RAS): Promotes collaboration and innovation in robotics and AI, connecting members with research insights and industry leaders.

• The Automation Solutions Group (ASG): Advocates for automation in manufacturing to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

• Robotics and Automation Society (RAS): Supports the development and integration of robotics and automation technologies in various industries.

• British Automation and Robot Association (BARA): Provides resources and networking for businesses adopting automation and robotics.

• Automate UK: Promotes the adoption of automation solutions, offering guidance, advocacy, and events.

Engineering and Technology

• The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET): Offers resources, training, and networking for engineers across disciplines.

• Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE): Provides certification, professional development, and industry support for mechanical engineers.

• Engineering and Technology Board (ETB): Encourages careers in engineering and technology while supporting professional growth.

• The Welding Institute (TWI): Leads in welding and joining research, providing training and technical expertise.

• Society of Operations Engineers (SOE): Focuses on supporting operational engineers with training and certification programs.

• Association for Project Management (APM): Supports project managers with professional resources, certifications, and networking opportunities.

Manufacturing Technologies and Research

• The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA): Connects manufacturers with technology suppliers through events and advocacy.

• The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC): Bridges academia and industry to develop innovative manufacturing technologies.

• Association of Manufacturing Technology (AMT UK): Represents technology providers and fosters collaboration and innovation.

• National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS): Focuses on training, research, and manufacturing innovation.

• Make UK (Engineering Employers' Federation): Advocates for manufacturers, providing training, resources, and networking opportunities.

• British Manufacturing and Engineering Association (BMEA): Connects manufacturers and engineers, offering industry-wide collaboration and support.

Surface Engineering and Coatings

• Surface Engineering Association (SEA): Supports surface engineering companies with technical advice and industry updates.

• The Paint Research Association (PRA): Provides research, development, and expertise to businesses in the paint and coatings industry.

• British Coatings Federation (BCF): Advocates for the coatings industry with training, standards, and industry insights.

• National Association of Surface Finishers (NASF): Promotes excellence and sustainability in surface finishing industries.

• British Powder Coating Association (BPCA): Offers resources and networking for businesses in the powder coating sector.

Metalworking and Foundry

• UK Metalworking Machinery Suppliers Association (MWMSA): Represents machinery suppliers, offering industry insights and advocacy.

• British Association of Metal Finishing (BAMF): Provides technical support and collaboration opportunities for metal finishers.

• Steel Construction Institute (SCI): Focuses on advancing steel construction through technical expertise and research.

• UK Steel: Represents the UK steel industry, advocating for policy changes and market support.

• British Stainless Steel Association (BSSA): Promotes the stainless steel industry with training and technical advice.

• Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM): Advocates for metal forming companies, providing training and resources.

• Casting Technology International (CTI): Specializes in foundry technology and supports innovation in casting.

• The Foundry Institute: Advances the UK’s foundry industry with research and collaborative initiatives.

Materials and Metallurgy

• Aluminium Federation (ALFED): Represents the UK aluminium sector, promoting innovation and providing technical support.

• British Coppers and Brass Ingot Makers Association (BCBIMA): Advocates for industry standards and advancements in copper and brass manufacturing.

• Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3): Supports professionals in materials, minerals, and mining industries with resources and training.

• British Gear Association (BGA): Provides training and industry updates for gear manufacturers and engineers.

Precision Engineering and Toolmaking

• Precision Engineers' Company (PEC): Offers resources and technical advice for precision engineers.

• BTMA (British Turned Parts Manufacturers Association UK): Supports the turned parts sector with advocacy and collaboration.

• Toolmaker's Company: Provides training and support for toolmakers in the UK.

• GTMA (Gauge and Tool Makers Association): Offers networking and technical resources for toolmakers and engineers.

Plastics and Polymers

• Polymer Society (IOM3 Division): Advances polymer science with training and industry resources.

• Plastics Recycling and Waste Management (PRWM): Promotes sustainable practices and recycling in plastics.

• PlasticsEurope (UK Section): Represents the plastics industry, focusing on sustainability and innovation.

• Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) UK: Offers training and resources for plastics engineers.

• Compounding World Group (by AMI): Provides events and resources for the plastics compounding industry.

• British Plastics Federation (BPF): Supports the plastics industry with advocacy, training, and networking.

• British Plastics Recyclers (BPR): Focuses on promoting plastics recycling and circular economy practices.

• RECOUP (Recycling of Used Plastics): Advocates for improving recycling systems and sustainability in plastics.

Packaging

• PPMA (Processing and Packaging Machinery Association): Supports processing and packaging sectors with technical advice and events.

• Packaging Federation: Advocates for sustainable practices and advancements in packaging.

General Business Support

• Confederation of British Industry (CBI): Provides economic insights and policy advocacy for UK businesses.

• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): Supports small businesses with networking, resources, and government advocacy.

Standards and Certification

• The British Standards Institution (BSI): Develops and promotes standards to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency.

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Each one of these associations should be doing its best to help its members get found by potential customers searching for their services.

For more information about these associations and how to join, visit the Manufacturers Hub Association page, where you can find detailed contact details and support to get started.

Let’s ensure your business thrives in the competitive manufacturing landscape!