The Manufacturer MX Awards will return to the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on 11 November 2026, bringing together the sector’s top-performing firms for a ceremony delivered in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). A new development for the upcoming cycle sees The Manufacturer Top 100 join forces with the awards, creating an expanded platform for both individual and organisational recognition across the UK’s industrial base.
The awards, which carry a combined heritage of more than 50 years, are designed to encourage, benchmark, and celebrate excellence. By integrating the Top 100, the programme provides a broader venue for acknowledging the people and companies driving the industry. This is particularly relevant as industrial and engineering stocks rally in various markets, highlighting the value of independent performance validation.
The 2026 event follows a 2025 ceremony that hosted more than 350 manufacturers and industry advocates. During that event, Siemens Congleton was named Manufacturer of the Year, while Evtec Automotive secured the SME Winner title. Other recognised firms included finalists Mercian Labels and Amtico Commercial, representing a cross-section of British production.
Consolidated platform for individual and organisational honours
The decision for The Manufacturer Top 100 to join forces with the MX Awards aims to highlight the talent within the workforce alongside corporate strategy. Sid Sethi, Founder of Specscart and a 2025 finalist, noted that entering the awards is a powerful way to acknowledge the resilience and problem-solving required to overcome production challenges. He described the process as a significant morale boost for teams benchmarking themselves against industry peers. Reflecting on the professional impact of the programme, Taahir Patel, a Process Development Manager at LISI Aerospace and 2025 judge, encouraged potential entrants to use the application as an opportunity to reflect on their achievements. He noted that the process highlights the talent present across the sector. This focus on skill and development aligns with efforts such as the Agromeqa engineering initiative, which seeks to boost export growth through technical expertise. The awards categories generally cover essential pillars of modern production. These include Smart Factory, Sustainable Manufacturing, and Supply Chain Excellence. Recent winners illustrate the breadth of the competition; in 2023, Whirlpool UK Appliances won for Achieving Customer Value, while Yunex Traffic took home the award for Leadership & Strategy.Logistics and attendance for the 2026 gala dinner
The ceremony in Liverpool will serve as the culmination of The Manufacturer Live, which includes the Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit on 10-11 November. The gala dinner features a guest speaker and post-ceremony live entertainment. Attendees can now download the 2026 Entry Pack to begin their preparations. The organisers have confirmed a specific schedule for the evening:- 18:30: Drinks reception at the Titanic Hotel
- 19:15: Ceremony begins, featuring a three-course dinner
- 22:30: Post-ceremony live entertainment
- 01:00: Carriages
