Big Interview
The machine tool sector plays
a strategic role in the success of
manufacturing. While the sector is
small, the role it plays is paramount.
IMTEX keeps the machine tool
industry players in touch with the
global manufacturing fraternity and
promotes its growth.
The combined business enquiries
at IMTEX (metal cutting) and IMTEX
FORMING (metal forming) put
together equals around 70% of India’s
machine tool consumption. This
would not have become possible
without the BIEC infrastructure.
IMTMA has leveraged exhibitions
as well as exhibition infrastructure for
the success of machine tool industry
in India in a big way.
Tell us more about BIEC and would
you call Bangalore an ‘events city’?
w w w.exhibitionworld.co.uk
During the 90’s and beginning of
this millennium, when IMTEX
was growing, a strong need was
felt in IMTMA to create a world-
class exhibition infrastructure to
demonstrate machines in ‘working
conditions’ similar to what exists
in manufacturing industries. The
association, however, wished to set
up this infrastructure initially in
Mumbai. Bangalore was eventually
selected for the advantages it offered
the manufacturing industry as well
as future growth potential. Many
large machine tool manufacturers
and user industries, IT & electronic
industries, research and technology
institutions had their bases in South
India, particularly in Bangalore. The
city’s climate and its connectivity to
international destinations made it an
ideal choice.
Above: V. Anbu,
President of
the Bangalore
International
Exhibition Centre
(BIEC)
and incoming UFI
President
BIEC was conceptualised as a green
exhibition infrastructure and is the
only such venue in India certified
by both the US Green Building
Council (LEED Certification) and the
Indian Green Building Council. The
exhibition centre has also obtained
Integrated Management System (IMS)
certification.
BIEC is also India’s first exhibition
centre to be certified a ‘Green Project’
with 30% green cover, 3,500 trees,
rain water harvesting, waste water
recycling and solar lighting.
How has the relationship changed
between event stakeholders over
the years?
At the beginning of the millennium,
the Indian exhibition industry
faced immense challenges in terms
of inadequate infrastructure,
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