Wide range of attractions

The International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX) takes place from 19th to 22nd March 2013. Here, IP&E outlines some of the highlights

Sponsored by BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, IMHX 2013 featured  more than 400 exhibitors, many of which used the show as the launch pad for new products and services. Visitors enjoyed an informative and exciting experience, with the exhibition having a number of feature areas as well as free conference sessions, product launches, live demonstrations and prize competitions.

The IMHX 'Logistics Excellence' Conference had two streams: a themed series of seminars at strategic level delivered by renowned industry experts, plus a variety of case study presentations at operational level to demonstrate examples of logistics best practice.

The supersonic Bloodhound vehicle (pictured) wowed visitors to the stand of its sponsor, Linde Material Handling, in the show's first ever Skills & Apprenticeships Zone. Situated in Hall 17, the zone - spearheaded by the BITA Academy, a dedicated apprenticeship training facility operated in conjunction with City of Bristol College - was designed to bring together talented young people and companies needing new recruits.

Also new was the UKWA 3PL Zone, hosted by the United Kingdom Warehousing Association, and the International Visitors' Lounge, where visitors from overseas were able to relax in comfort or hold meetings with clients or suppliers.

As well as these new activities, many features made a welcome return. The Design 4 Safety Competition was held once again, recognising the importance of product design in improving safety throughout the materials handling industry. The winners in seven award categories were celebrated in the Design 4 Safety Zone at the show and visitors were invited to vote for an overall 'People's Choice' award.

The heats of what promises to be another hotly contested RTITB Operator of the Year Competition also took place. Over the four days of the show, forklift operators from across the UK and Ireland competed in a special arena designed to test their skills to the full, with the best moving forward to the Grand Final - to be held at RTITB's headquarters in Telford in September - where they will have the chance to win a car.

IMHX again featured the AMHSA Pavilion, hosted by the Automated Material Handling Systems Association, with a number of AMHSA member stands clustered around a hospitality and presentation area. AMHSA members gave short 'Meet the expert' presentations on key automation topics including Augmented Reality Systems, Smart Procurement, Software as a Service and Automated Guided Vehicles.