October: month of the open house

land football team qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil by beating Poland 2-0. (Yes I am old enough to remember 1973 – revenge is sweet Jan Tomaszewski)!

In the manufacturing universe however it’ll also be remembered as being the month for open houses. I’ll apologise unashamedly here and now for any I forget to mention, but October saw DMG/Mori, XYZ (Manufacturing South West), Agie Charmilles, Citizen, Tornos/Matsuura, Ajax, Star GB, Bowers Metrology and Dugard open their respective doors to customers – prospective and existing – to show off their wares. It was equally encouraging to see partner companies offering complementary technology getting involved in these events. UK manufacturers do need to stick together.

It’s probably no coincidence that so much activity took place on the back of EMO. Whilst the Hannover show is a true manufacturing spectacle, its sheer size may be a little impersonal for some and whilst a healthy number of Brits did make the pilgrimage to Hannover, it’s simply not practical for everyone.

These are busy times and every minute away from the office or factory floor needs to be justified. For those people, the sanctuary of the open house provides a viable alternative. Potential buyers can jump in the car, marvel at all the new technology up close and also discuss specific applications with the equipment manufacturer. Some may also be tempted by the post open house gastronomic delights that are fast becoming the norm. Any excuse to partake in a curry should be encouraged in my humble opinion!

So from a business perspective, do open houses actually work? Well they get a definite thumbs up from me! Quotations are taken, enquiries are made, equipment is sold and problems are solved. Most importantly however, business relationships – sometimes lasting for years – are nurtured.