Southern Manufacturing & Electronics returns to FIVE Farnborough on February 13th and 14th 2013 with a larger venue, more exhibitors and more reasons to visit. Electrical Engineering looks at what’s on offer
The Southern Manufacturing & Electronics show will grow for its ninth consecutive year in 2013, with exhibitor numbers close to passing 750 for 2013. The floor area of the show has expanded to 15,000m2, highlighting that the show is of huge importance to UK manufacturing generally, and designers and engineering professionals in particular.
Show director, Phil Valentine, attributes the continuing success of the show to its ability to accurately reflect the needs of the industry it serves. He stated, “Manufacturing in this country is now defined by design, innovation and ingenuity more than by massive heavy industry. Consequently, agility, responsiveness and up to date market knowledge are key survival factors for today’s manufacturing firms.
“The Southern Manufacturing show delivers the ability to meet new suppliers, see the latest products and manufacturing technologies all in one visit.” Squeezing maximum benefit into the smallest possible timeframe has been the secret of the show’s popularity. Valentine continued, “Time is perhaps the most valuable commodity of all. Our aim has always been to deliver as much value as possible in return for the time visitors invest at our events.”
Despite the continual growth of the show and it’s international recognition, value is still a central theme of the event. The show has retained its accessibility to the smaller, more specialised exhibitor. This results in an rich spread of exhibitors, drawn from every level of the manufacturing eco-system. At one show, visitors will find the latest machining centres from companies such as Yamazaki Mazak, Haas Automation, Hurco, CMZ and others, sharing space with far more modestly sized ventures offering a range of specialities from the latest high-tech sensors used by NASA to the humblest plastic spacer.
Seminar programme
The free technical seminar programme at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics is another one of the key aspects of the show. The programme is a complementary blend of technical and business topics covering a wide range of issues facing manufacturing businesses today. From exporting to emerging markets, to eliminating counterfeit components and designing for commercial success.
In the Engineering Theatre, Tim Scurlock from Automotive Lean Consulting will look at Lean Concepts and what they mean for the practicalities of waste elimination. Bang Creations’ Stefan Knox returns with an update to one of the biggest hits of 2012 – Designing for Commercial Success and New Product Development. Sergey Putintsev from TÜV Rheinland presents an invaluable insight into Selling to Emerging Markets – in particular, the BRIC countries and the Middle East.
David Kilroy from Manufacturing Insights will examine Best Practice and World Class Manufacturing. Mike Harrison from ATOL Business Services will look at Supply Chain and SC21, while Ian McKay, former quality executive with BAE Military Aircraft will discuss Improving the Manufacturing Process. Paul Laidler of TÜV SÜD Product Service will also deliver an Introduction to Machine Safety.
The Electronics sessions begin with a look at Exporting, Distributing and Selling Electrical Products, with Sergey Putintsev and Jon Jones from international consultants TÜV Rheinland. Bob Willis will present an unmissable presentation on Eliminating Counterfeit Components, and he will return for a later session to look at Package on Package Design and Assembly – an increasingly important technique being employed in mobile, medical and military applications.
Nick Wainwright, CEO of York EMC Services, examines the implications of the latest EU EMC Directive with particular reference to obligations under the Declaration of Conformity. Richard Poate of TÜV SÜD Product Service guides delegates through the requirements for CE Marking for Consumer Products and Professional Electronics. Peter Grundy of the Altus Group takes a look at the pros and cons of automation in To Automate or Not To Automate. Closing the Electronics Sessions is a fascinating look at Fusion Means Business – how UK companies can win business on new fusion energy projects, delivered by Dan Mistry from the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
Summary
Participation in the technical seminars, as well as entry to the show itself, is free. However pre-registration for the seminars is strongly advised as spaces are limited. FIVE, Farnborough is easily accessible by road and public transport, and on-site car parking is free. A free shuttle bus service also operates daily between the show and both North Camp and Farnborough Main railway stations. Visitors can keep up with all the latest news on the show blog site, http://blog.industrysouth.co.uk or by joining the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics group on LinkedIn.
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics
T: 01784 880 890
