EMCON 2024 showcases North East’s innovation surge with record turnout and groundbreaking technologies
EMCON 2024, the North East’s flagship engineering and manufacturing event, returned with strong momentum on September 12 at Sunderland Live in Houghton-le-Spring, drawing nearly 900 delegates and showcasing over 100 exhibitors across the sector. Organised by the Engineering and Manufacturing Network (EMN), the event highlighted the region’s industrial expertise, innovation, and commitment to securing the future of UK manufacturing.
The conference programme centred on three core themes: powering performance, driving innovation, and enhancing supply chain security. The Maintenance Excellence stream, led by Derek Dixon, Head of the School of Computer Science and Engineering at Sunderland University, examined the critical role of Maintenance, Repair, and Operational (MRO) strategies in building operational resilience and sustainability. Presentations covered topics including turbine failure analysis, offshore maintenance challenges, and the digital transformation of reliability engineering.
In parallel, the Smart, Secure & Future-Ready stream addressed cutting-edge technologies reshaping manufacturing. Key sessions included James Hall, CEO of Therion, discussing predictive manufacturing with his presentation "What if Your Factory Could Think?," and cybersecurity expert Jason Brown from Sophus & CMYK Business Technology raising awareness around supply chain vulnerabilities in "Are You the Weakest Link?".
The innovation spotlight at EMCON 2024 was particularly prominent with the Innovation Showcase, delivered in partnership with Innovation SuperNetwork. This segment enabled 25 emerging companies to present groundbreaking products and services, supported by regional initiatives such as the Pathways to Funding North of Tyne project and the Tees Valley Securing Investment Programme. Innovations on display ranged from advanced robotics and sensor technology to virtual welding software and live machining demonstrations, reflecting the North East’s evolving industrial landscape.
Industry engagement was further enhanced through Meet The Buyer sessions connecting suppliers directly with key buyers from major organisations including Stadler Rail, Siemens Energy, Nissan, RED Scientific, and Sellafield. This element underlined EMCON’s role as a crucial networking and business growth platform for manufacturers and engineering firms across the UK.
The event was once again bolstered by a strong sponsorship roster. MEC Machine Tools took the headline sponsor role, with gold sponsors such as Business Durham, SMS, and SMS Technology, and silver sponsors including Colchester Machine Tool Solutions and Made Smarter. Support from educational and research institutions like Durham University reinforced the event’s collaborative approach to innovation and industrial development.
As Ailsa Anderson, Director of Development at EMN, remarked, EMCON serves as a catalyst for industrial transformation by providing access to expert insights, practical frameworks, and networking opportunities. She highlighted the event's significance in fostering new partnerships and driving business growth within the manufacturing and engineering sectors in the North East.
The conference also featured an engaging live podcast hosted by Professor Alan Norbury, Chief Technologist at Siemens, which offered in-depth discussions on predictive maintenance and the changing technological landscape.
EMCON’s ongoing success marks it as a vital event in the industrial calendar, reflecting the collaborative spirit of a sector committed to technological advancement, operational excellence, and securing a sustainable future.