Northern Ireland’s robust manufacturing industry—a sector contributing an impressive £16 billion in economic value and employing nearly 100,000 people—is set to convene its largest annual gathering at the Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on 11 September 2025. Organized in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), the one-day summit promises a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector’s future
A Meeting Ground for Progress and Innovation
With roughly 2,500 delegates expected to attend, the conference will feature over 100 speakers and 150 exhibitors, showcasing an array of topics from digital transformation and smart manufacturing, to decarbonisation and supply chain resilience.
“This event has grown year on year, and we’re delighted to bring it to the Eikon Exhibition Centre in 2025,” said Colin Murphy, Founder and Chairman of Premier Publishing & Events. “The new venue allows us to grow alongside the sector and continue delivering an event that’s shaped around real challenges, practical solutions, and long‑term industry impact.”
Alderman Amanda Grehan, Lord Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, added: “Lisburn is proud to host Northern Ireland’s largest manufacturing and supply chain event. It plays a key role in supporting our region’s businesses, encouraging innovation and driving job creation and economic growth.”
The Economic Backbone of Northern Ireland
Manufacturing in Northern Ireland is far from a niche—they account for roughly 14% of GDP, well above the UK average of 9.8%, and about 11% of total employment
Moreover, the true economic impact spans beyond direct involvement. Research indicates:
- Manufacturing injects approximately £6 billion in direct Gross Value Added (GVA).
- Including indirect and induced impacts (supply chains and local spending), the cumulative contribution nears £16 billion, underpinning around 250,000 jobs—a quarter of the region’s workforce.
This highlights manufacturing not just as a sector, but as a catalyst for widespread economic activity and community stability.
Navigating Global Shifts and Local Realities
Despite its successes, the sector faces mounting challenges. Recent data reveals that Northern Irish manufacturers produce 22% less per job than the UK average, with output per hour trailing at just 72.7% of the benchmark—the lowest among UK regions.
Cost pressures are equally intense: 76% of turnover is absorbed by materials and goods—significantly higher than the UK (70%) and Scotland (65%) averages. Additionally, employment costs are rising—now 19% of turnover, compared to 16% UK-wide and just 12% in Wales.
These factors have squeezed profitability and drained reinvestment capacity, especially critical as manufacturers face accelerating pressures to innovate and modernize.
Why the Event Matters
This pivotal gathering comes at a time when the sector must:
- Bridge productivity gaps through automation, upskilling, and efficiency.
- Address decarbonisation mandates amid shifting global regulatory landscapes.
- Strengthen supply chain resilience in the wake of ongoing geopolitical and logistical volatility.
- Leverage Northern Ireland’s unique access to both UK and EU markets effectively.
With leadership, expertise, and innovation on the agenda, the conference offers a real chance to align strategy across public and private stakeholders and chart a path toward sustained competitiveness.
Event Snapshot
| Detail | Insight |
|---|---|
| Event | Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition |
| Date | 11 September 2025 |
| Participants | ~2,500 delegates, 100+ speakers, 150+ exhibitors |
| Focus Areas | Smart manufacturing, digital transformation, sustainability, skills, trade, supply chain |
| Economic Significance | £16B total impact, ~100K jobs, 14% of GDP |
| Key Challenges | Low productivity, high costs, reinvestment constraints |
In summary, this summit represents more than just an industry exposition—it’s a critical forum for driving Northern Ireland’s manufacturing future. As the sector navigates rapid technological, environmental, and economic shifts, the insights and collaborations emerging from this event could define its resilience and success for years ahead.