A new trade show called Midlands Design & Manufacturing (MDM) is replacing the former Machine Building and Automation and Advanced Manufacturing UK shows at the Birmingham NEC. The first appearance of the new event – which covers the manufacturing cycle from design and development, to packaging and despatch – will be alongside the Mtec (sensors and measurement) and Medtec (medical technology) shows at the NEC from 6–7 April, 2011.

The organiser, Canon Communications, says that MDM “will embrace all the technologies, products and services that 21st century manufacturers, sub-contractors and specifiers depend on to achieve effective and efficient production regimes and world-class products”.

According to James Meire, Canon Communications’ UK and Ireland sales manager, MDM has been launched as a result of the growing optimism evident at this year’s Medtec and co-located events.

“With a heavy focus on medical device technologies and advanced manufacturing, our events at the NEC clearly illustrated that industry’s thirst for the benefits of advanced technology extends right across the manufacturing spectrum,” he says. “As a result, Canon is determined to provide a one-stop showcase for the latest and greatest tools and technologies that suppliers have to offer.

“MDM will effectively break the mould in terms of providing suppliers of every size with a cost-effective, two-day showcase that will address the needs of specifiers and buyers from all manufacturing disciplines,” Meire adds.

There are plans for a series of education programmes to complement the MDM exhibits.