That's show business

2009 was particularly tough, but as we ease into 2010, there is definitely a feeling of ‘restrained' optimism in the manufacturing sector. If ever we needed a good MACH exhibition, it's now!

Timing wise the show couldn't be better placed to capitalise on the slight, but hugely significant economic upturn. Confidence levels are on the rise and MACH will provide the ideal networking event for companies to start doing business again. One of the MTA's marketing slogans says it all: ‘In 2009 the light went out. Join us to turn it back on.'

At the recent MTA lunch held in London, MTA president and managing director of Star Micronics GB, Bob Hunt delivered a rousing speech. He pulled no punches as he emphasised the lack of support the manufacturing sector receives from the Government, but he also highlighted the real positives that UK manufacturing can bring to the wider economy.

“If manufacturing matters – and it most certainly does, can I put some positives back into your minds?” he asked the audience. “The UK is the sixth largest manufacturer in the world and manufacturing represents over 12% of our GDP. The UK exported over £177 billion in manufactured goods last year and in 2010, engineering output is set to rise by 3.5%.”

It's important to focus on these positives and it seems, as an industry, we are. Mr Hunt also highlighted the fact that in a recent survey of over 500 companies, in excess of 35% were positive about the future. At a BTMA meeting that took place early in 2010, 50% of the attendees reported an upturn and more importantly, most were back onto a five day working week following the turbulence of 2009. Some were even recruiting.

It's certainly not all doom and gloom by a long shot. The strength of sterling is giving us an opportunity to export on a wider scale and on the home front, there have been shining examples of UK investment such as the new 2,500m² European Technology Centre at Mazak in Worcester; the recent opening of Bystronic's £1 million sales and service facility in Coventry, and the investment partnerships that have developed at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham.

To quote Mr Hunt: “That's commitment!”

On target

Since the start of the year, over 100 new companies have booked stand space for MACH 2010 taking the grand total of exhibitors to over 400. Website hits are up a whopping 130% on the 2008 event with 80,000 unique visitors and according to the MTA, the event is now around 90% sold on targets. Graham Shearsmith, the MTA's exhibition organiser elaborates: “As industry confidence picks up we are becoming increasingly confident that MACH 2010 could actually be the best exhibition we've put on so far,” he enthuses. “Everyone in the industry we speak to seem to have all eyes on June and are focusing their efforts on maximising the myriad of sales opportunities that will present themselves at the show. Those who are going to come out of this recession in a good position are those companies that seize the opportunities to market themselves and MACH is undoubtedly one of the best ways to show potential customers that your company means business." 

Real appeal The format of the show itself will encompass four specialist zones, set to increase the appeal of the show to an even wider audience of visitors and exhibitors from the engineering based manufacturing sector. In more detail, the zones include: a new Preferred Suppliers Zone showcasing the best of the UK's subcontracting sector. Featuring solely UK subcontractors, the zone aims to encourage visitors to use British suppliers. The Grinding Solutions Zone will cover all aspects of grinding and metal finishing from the latest production machines and grinding wheels to deburring, honing, abrasives and polishing. The MTA says that no other UK show offers such a focused and dedicated area specifically for the grinding industry. The Solutions for Business Zone is an entirely new venture for MACH which will provide visitors – and indeed exhibitors – with a number of business advisory services, offering information and assistance on all aspects of commerce and industry. Another new initiative is the dedicated Education and Training Zone which is aimed specifically at school and college students visiting the show. The centrepiece of the zone will be the University of Sheffield AMRC with Boeing MANufacturing TRAnsporter (MANTRA) – a specially equipped 14m long lorry designed to give aspiring young engineers a hands on experience with real, leading edge manufacturing technologies. 

New blood

Once in the Education and Training Zone schools with pupils aged 14-16 will be given managed tours to enable them to fully experience the MACH event whilst older students will be provided with educational packs produced by DTEP (Design and Technology Educational Partnership) which include details of a self guided tour.

The tours include a visit to the MANTRA for which Rolls-Royce, Boeing, Sandvik Coromant and Mori Seiki and 3D virtual reality company, Virtalis, have all contributed resources for the students to experience. In addition the zone features a seminar area and will play host to a number of relevant exhibitors.

Stand space in the zone is available to educational institutions and organisations promoting engineering as a career.

Graham Shearsmith explains: "The Education and Training Zone is a brand new venture for the show and marries together industry's need for new blood and one of the MTA's key objectives – to encourage talent. We're delighted that the AMRC's MANTRA will form the centrepiece of the new zone as it will provide the wow factor necessary to engage the minds of the audience we hope to attract."

He concludes: “The MTA are never keen to rest on their laurels as far as MACH is concerned. 2010 is no exception and we are making sure that the exhibition moves with the times and provides the best possible exhibitor and visitor experience. The three new zones are a welcome addition to the MACH family and will certainly increase the appeal of the show to a new set of visitors and indeed exhibitors.” MACH
www.mach2010.com