As will this association on stand P200, while toolmaking and metrology will be well represented across the board. Mark the dates – 6th to 8th February 2024 – in next year’s diary. The event is shared almost equally by the mechanical engineering and electrical / electronic industries, which is part of its uniqueness. While most GTMA members’ activities are centred on the former, the latter sector is populated by end users of the parts that mould and press tools produce – think of Bruderer UK’s (stand M215) high-speed stamping presses at the Farlington factory of interconnection products manufacturer, Harwin, which has previously exhibited. The synergy between the two sides of the show is clear.
So also is the even-handed approach of the organisers, ETES, towards stand allocation, whereby multinationals and large firms are discouraged from dominating the space to the detriment of SMEs and small vendors. It gives the event a buzz unlike that of any other, helping to maintain its vibrancy and success as a business forum. Testament to this is the large number of exhibitors that return year after year, some since the start in 1997 when Southern was just that – a small, local show – in contrast to the international expo it is today.
Machine tool companies will include Ajax, Chester, Colchester, Hurco, Matsuura, Mills, XYZ, Yamazaki Mazak and YMT, all of which offer prismatic machining platforms for mould and die production. 1st MTA, Bison and Thame will be offering workholding solutions. Additive-X, Bentec Central Scanning, Creat3D, IPFL, Matsuura and TLM Laser will be among those promoting additive manufacturing, either as an equipment supplier, a subcontractor, or both.
Cutting tool companies, industrial washing machine equipment, and CAD/CAM and simulation software will also be in evidence. Aberlink, Blum, Keyence, LK, Mitutoyo, Optimax, Vision Engineering and Zeiss will be offering inspection and measurement equipment for quality control of components produced, either subtractively or additively.
There will additionally be a strong cohort of firms promoting subcontracting services, from pressworking, sheet metal profiling, fabrication and surface coating to metalcutting, assembly, finishing, reverse engineering and inspection. Injection moulders will advertise their services, including MGS Technical Plastics, Rutland Plastics and S&S Plastics.
An important part of the show is the extensive technical seminar programme. Presentations will provide valuable learning opportunities, with topics spanning advice for small manufacturers looking to improve their relationship with customers, how to enhance a sales team’s performance, CE and UKCA marking compliance, sustainable practices in manufacturing, and management skills coaching including how to address the challenges of hybrid working.
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024 co-locates with AutoAero, a specialised theme within the show focusing on aerospace and automotive engineering. The venue will as usual be the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, which is well served by road and public transport links. A complimentary bus service runs between Farnborough’s Main and North Camp railway stations and the showground. Car parking and entry are also free. Tickets and further information are available at: www.industrysouth.co.uk
