The Gauge and Tool Makers Association (GTMA) is set to bring together the UK’s toolmaking and tooling technologies supply chain for a brand-new specialist one-day event at one of the country’s most impressive manufacturing venues.
The GTMA has announced the launch of its new Toolmaking & Tooling Technologies event, taking place on 14th May 2026 at the Yamazaki Mazak European Technology Centre in Worcester — and for companies across the sheet metal, metalforming and fabrication sector needing tooling solution, it’s an event well worth adding to the diary.
Building on the GTMA’s long-running Meet The Toolmaker series, this evolved format broadens its scope to encompass both injection mould and press toolmaking, alongside the latest developments in tooling technologies and precision engineering. That press tool angle is directly relevant as tooling quality and capability sit at the very foundation of the stamping, forming, and fabrication processes.
The event is free to attend, with free parking and refreshments, and brings together an impressive line-up of exhibitors, including Advanced Tooling Systems Group, Bruderer UK, Open Mind Technologies, Meusburger, Hexagon, Mapal, ND Precision, Insize, Optimax Imaging Inspection & Measurement, RAR UK Automation, Sprint Tool & Die, and many more specialists from across the UK tooling supply chain.
Attendees will also benefit from guided tours of Yamazaki Mazak‘s state-of-the-art Technology Centre, offering a rare opportunity to see world-leading machine tools in operation.
Dr Alan Arthur, Chief Executive of GTMA, commented: “Toolmaking is at the very heart of UK manufacturing. This event reflects our commitment to championing the sector while creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth. We are thrilled to partner with Yamazaki Mazak to deliver an event that showcases both the strength of our supply chain and the innovations driving the future of toolmaking.”
With toolmaking and tooling technologies playing a pivotal role across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, medical, packaging and other industry sectors, the event is expected to attract a high level of interest from manufacturers.
The event will also feature a keynote speaker in Michael Cope, Tooling Manager at HellermannTyton Ltd, who oversees all tooling activity for one of the world’s leading cable management manufacturers, producing over 100 million components per week at its Manchester facility. His experience spanning press and injection toolmaking, tool design, procurement, and continuous improvement makes him a compelling voice on the realities of toolroom management at scale.
The GTMA has represented UK precision engineering, toolmaking and tooling technologies since 1942, and the Toolmaking & Tooling Technologies event marks a new chapter in its commitment to connecting the supply chain.
