Fife’s advanced manufacturing sector strengthened its national presence at Southern Manufacturing and Electronics 2026, held during a record-breaking year for the UK’s largest industrial technology exhibition.
The event welcomed 10,722 visitors and 571 exhibitors, creating a significant marketplace for engineering and technology firms seeking new customers and supply chain opportunities across the UK.
Four Fife businesses, Fife Fabrications Ltd ( Fifab), Eurospray Ltd, QPE Ltd and Key Tech Electronic Systems, represented the region at the three-day exhibition. Collectively, they generated 197 commercial enquiries and multiple live quotation requests, demonstrating strong demand for the specialist skills and technical expertise available within Fife. Key Tech Electronic Systems attended with support from Fife Council’s Trade Development Programme, which helps local firms access national platforms and compete in wider markets.
John Penman, Director of FiFab, commented:
“Southern Manufacturing remains a key event in our calendar, and once again it delivered real value. The quality of enquiries was excellent, and the support we receive from Fife Council ensures we can continue to represent the region at major national shows.”
Jim Fairnie, Managing Director of Eurospray Ltd, added:
”With the support from Fife Council, having a stand gives us an invaluable opportunity to speak directly to potential and existing customers from across the UK to discuss their coating requirements. This was our eighth year exhibiting at the show and have booked again for next year”
Ewan Lloyd-Baker, Quality Precision Electronics, said:
“We were delighted with the level of interest this year, with over a hundred enquiries and multiple quotation requests already coming through.”
Sean Bissett of Key Tech Electronic Systems commented:
''After our recent rebrand, we were able to attend Southern Manufacturing & Electronics thanks to the support of Fife’s Trade Development Programme. The show allowed us to connect with suppliers, benchmark technologies, and gather valuable market insight with a view to attending a show in future years.”
Pamela Stevenson, Service Manager at Fife Council, said:
“Southern Manufacturing continues to deliver real value to Fife’s business community. Generating almost 200 enquiries this year demonstrates both the strength of our local manufacturing base and the appetite for the skill and innovation that Fife companies bring to the UK market.
