National Manufacturing Day 2026: Celebrating the people behind UK industry
More than 130 manufacturers across the UK opened their doors on 24 September for National Manufacturing Day, showcasing the people, technology and innovation shaping the future of British manufacturing.
From Cornwall to Edinburgh and South Wales to East Anglia, businesses of all sizes welcomed schools, communities and future talent into their workplaces, offering factory tours, demonstrations and opportunities to see modern manufacturing in action.
The day provided a chance to challenge outdated perceptions of manufacturing and showcase the breadth of careers available across the sector – from engineering and production to digital technology, research, design and specialist technical roles.
Inspiring the next generation
With skills shortages continuing to be a major challenge for manufacturers, engaging the next generation remains a key priority for the industry.
Make UK research shows that 99% of manufacturers believe access to skills will shape their future growth plans, while half say skills shortages are their biggest barrier to growth. With around 47,000 manufacturing vacancies and continued investment in digitalisation and AI, attracting new talent has never been more important.
National Manufacturing Day gave businesses the opportunity to bring those career opportunities to life, allowing visitors to meet the people behind the products and technologies they use every day.
One of the highlights came from Numatic International, which celebrated 45 years of Henry with the launch of a limited-edition Henry vacuum cleaner.
The milestone was a fitting example of the heritage, innovation and skilled people behind UK manufacturing. Numatic also welcomed Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds to its factory (pictured below), where she saw the company's manufacturing operations and met the people behind its products.
Across the country, manufacturers similarly used the day to demonstrate the contribution they make to their local communities and the wider UK economy.
Celebrating the people behind manufacturing
National Manufacturing Day also marked the launch of 130 Honours, a new initiative from Make UK in partnership with Barclays to celebrate 130 years of Make UK.
The initiative recognises 130 people across England and Wales who are helping to shape the future of manufacturing, celebrating the engineers, technical specialists, innovators, leaders and emerging talent whose expertise and ideas are driving the sector forward.
Their stories reflect the breadth of modern manufacturing – from advanced engineering and health technology to sustainability, STEM and innovation.
Discover the 130 Honourees.
Looking to the future
National Manufacturing Day 2026 demonstrated the strength and diversity of UK manufacturing, while highlighting the importance of continuing to invest in people, skills and innovation.
From celebrating 45 years of an iconic British product at Numatic to showcasing the latest technologies and career opportunities across more than 130 businesses, the day showed that manufacturing has a proud heritage and an exciting future.
Thank you to every manufacturer, employee, school, community organisation, young person and partner who helped make National Manufacturing Day 2026 a success.