Change of heart

Historically, subcontractors have tended to take stands in the Subcon show that runs concurrently with MACH at the NEC, Birmingham, but this year, sliding head/ mill/turning specialist, Qualiturn Products, decided instead to have a presence on the BTMA stand at MACH.

Nick Groom, Qualiturn's managing director, explained: “We have exhibited at Subcon over the years, but in that show we are only one of many suppliers – many of whom are from overseas. We thought our company would stand out more in MACH and so it proved.

“A steady stream of visitors came to see us throughout the week and we received a good level of serious enquiries, including many from companies we did not previously know. We are now busily following up the leads and quoting for possible new contracts.”

He revealed that some of the interest came from manufacturers that, under different circumstances, would have been looking to buy machine tools. However, as the economy is only just emerging from recession, some companies are hedging their bets and subcontracting work for now, with a view to investing in machines later and bringing the work in-house.

Nevertheless, Mr Groom noticed at the show a marked improvement in business sentiment across the board in the manufacturing sector and considered his company's participation at MACH very worthwhile.

Qualiturn
www.qualiturn.co.uk