Maintec speakers hit the right keynote
February 29th 2008

UK industry players will deliver a spectrum of seminars when the easyFairs Maintec show comes to Birmingham’s NEC in March – and the keynote speeches will range from the latest hazard detection technology to factory Feng Shui.

 One speaker is GE Energy’s principal liability engineer for Europe, Peter Todhunter. He will examine top performing reliability programmes that have been implemented across the continent, discussing what makes an effective strategy, and analysing the various technologies on offer.

"As maintenance costs, both direct and indirect, are running into hundreds of billions of pounds across Europe," says Mr Todhunter, "it is no wonder Board members are interested in their business case for reliability."

Remote condition monitoring, to gather data from remote assets like pumping stations and wind farms, will be addressed in detail, while various case studies drawn from businesses around the globe – including a major chemical producer where plant shutdowns have been cut by up to 50% following a maintenance overhaul – will also be presented.

A discussion on promoting staff wellbeing through ‘factory Feng Shui’ is likely to intrigue visitors and exhibitors alike. Dawn Gibbins, Chairman of flooring specialist Flowcrete Group, will present the talk. "Industry is very cautious when it comes to wacky, unconventional ideas like Feng Shui, but factories can make tangible bottom line gains simply by improving the work environment. Many engineering premises are grey, miserable, de-motivating places. Clearing the clutter, letting in more natural light, introducing positive colours and accessories, and improving ventilation can work wonders for staff morale and productivity," she explains.

And with environmental compliance regulations motivating businesses to be more eco-conscious, green topics will be high on the agenda. Disciplines such as water saving technologies, energy efficiency, and ways to reduce carbon footprints are scheduled for debate.

Other notable speakers include Michael Glass, director of the Process Industries Centre for Manufacturing Excellence (PICME), Douglas Wragg from the Institute of Diagnostic Engineers, Richard Moore from London Underground Asset Management, and a representative from the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing.

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