The annual Southern Manufacturing & Electronics show took place from 3–5 February 2026 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre. Sierra 57 attended the Farnborough-based event alongside partners PS Partnerships and PlastikCity, united under their umbrella brand, Plastic Matters.
The alliance was formed to support businesses operating across the plastics industry, providing expertise in recruitment and training, procurement and industry insights, as well as regulatory and plastics consultancy. All three brands pool their resources through a single point of contact, offering a joined-up approach to industry support.
Southern Manufacturing serves a diverse range of industries, including aerospace and defence, automotive, electronics assembly and production, industrial machinery, packaging, energy, marine, and medical and pharma/biotech – sectors that all, to varying degrees, rely on plastics and polymers.
Growing demand for sustainable materials and processes is reshaping the plastics industry, forcing businesses to balance competitiveness with consumer expectations and increasingly stringent manufacturing legislation. Achieving this balance requires upskilling and training, access to the right machinery and support, and robust regulatory, quality management, and consultancy expertise – all areas in which Plastic Matters can help businesses navigate change.
Southern Manufacturing is always a well-attended event, and 2026 was no exception. Strong footfall and high levels of engagement at the Plastic Matters stand reflected the evolving landscape of UK manufacturing.
Across the three-day event, Sierra 57 generated 18 recruitment enquiries and 33 training enquiries – clear evidence of current industry priorities. Businesses are not only seeking to attract the right people, but also to train and retain them so they can adapt to ongoing industry change. Well-trained employees are proven to produce better products and contribute more effectively to productivity and efficiency, and Sierra 57 is well placed to support businesses in sourcing and securing the right talent.
Such was the success of the event that Sierra 57, along with Plastic Matters, has already signed up for Southern Manufacturing 2027, securing the same stand that delivered such positive results this year.
The pace of change within the plastics industry shows no sign of slowing. As demand for more sustainable materials grows, alongside the rise of plant-based and bio-polymers, businesses must ensure their workforce remains informed, skilled, and relevant. It is here that the expertise of Sierra 57 becomes increasingly invaluable.
To find out more about the services that the Sierra 57 team can deliver, please visit:
https://sierra57consult.co.uk – recruitment
https://sierra57training.co.uk – training
Alternatively, please drop us an email at: contact@sierra57consult.com
To find out more about the work of Plastic Matters, please visit: Plastic Matters