Major marketplace for plant and machinery

The £35m Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre is the largest exhibition venue to be built in the UK for 20 years. The 20,000m² Hall 1 complex, designed by Terence O’Rourke, offers world-class facilities, easy access and free onsite car parking for 3000 cars. 

As in previous years, the show is a major marketplace for plant and machinery, with major vendors such as Mazak, Matsuura, XYZ Machine Tools, Bystronic, C. Dugard and others giving live demonstrations of their newest machining centres. There’s a host of other technologies on show too, from heat treatment and finishing to state-of-the-art 3D printing, not to mention literally thousands of production aids, components, parts and consumables. A full searchable database of companies and products can be found at http://exhibitors.industrysouth.co.uk.

Free seminars

For many, the show’s excellent free seminar programme is one of the key features of the show, drawing hundreds of delegates each year. Running in two lecture theatres on all three days of the show, the 2018 programme features an impressive line-up of presenters and topics, and will be of interest to anyone involved in any form of industrial or manufacturing enterprise. The programme is a complementary blend of technical and business topics covering a wide range of issues facing manufacturing businesses today. From understanding lithium ion batteries and Industry 4.0, to the forthcoming GDPR regulations and life after Brexit, the sessions deliver something for everyone.

Two of the most perennially popular speakers return for 2018. With examples from manufacturing, service and warehousing, Tim Scurlock, director of ALC, will guide delegates through the benefits of Lean, include eliminating waste from existing processes, together the problems and pitfalls in bringing Lean into their organisations. Ailsa Carson of Onsite Insights shares the best practice methodologies and key activities that have made some of the world’s greatest manufacturers so successful. Using real world examples, the sessions look at how top firms remain innovative and produce the best quality product in terms of design, cost, performance, quality and delivery.  

Some of the more technical topics addressed include Nick Aitken and Dr. Alex Martin’s session on lithium-ion batteries; explaining their benefits and application while raising awareness of potential failings and regulatory matters. Using case study examples of the limitless applications of 3D Print, Colin Cater of Tri-Tech 3D looks at the benefits that this new technology brings across all sectors and the many opportunities it could open. Dr. John Loftus of HMK Automation & Drives takes a look at the future role of Cobots, collaborative robots intended to physically interact with humans in a shared workplace. This session looks at latest developments in the field with examples of industrial applications in the manufacturing process.

Business management and strategy also comes under the spotlight for 2018. The General Data Protection Regulations come into force on 25th May 2018 affecting all personal data, and introducing new requirements and huge fines for transgressions. Dave Smith of Corpdata shares the essential knowledge to help keep your organisation compliant and safe. In two separate sessions by Andrew Mackenzie of Cleveland Scott York, and Kelda Style of Page,White & Farrer, delegates can gain a comprehensive overview of the various aspects of IP law; what can be protected and what tangible value IP protection adds to businesses.

In total, the seminar programme for Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2018 includes 34 sessions, all of which are free to both visitors and exhibitors. A complete listing and the all-important pre-registration form can be found at http://seminars.industrysouth.co.uk.