Southern Manufacturing & Electronics continues its progress to international status
SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING SHOW PREVIEW
A SELL-OUT SHOW
INDUSTRY SOUTH
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics continues its progress to international status
With more international representation this time following a surge in stand bookings by overseas firms , Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024 opens from 6th to 8th February at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre . It has helped to ensure the show is a sell-out again , even though extra space was allocated months ago to accommodate the larger number of stands .
It is the most comprehensive annual industrial exhibition in the UK and a major pan-European showcase for new technology . Inaugurated in 1997 as a small , regional event , it moved to the present location in Hampshire in 2008 has been growing year-onyear into an expo of international significance , now attracting visitors and exhibitors from all over the world .
It is an event important enough to attract big-name manufacturers and suppliers , but it is also very accessible to the rich ecosystem of engineering SMEs and smaller vendors . Southern operates a policy of open access , discouraging larger firms from dominating the space . The resulting mixture of companies creates a vibrant atmosphere that is unlike that of other shows . Testament to this , and to the effectiveness of the event as a business forum , is the very high rate of return bookings , a large percentage of participants having supported the exhibition since the very beginning .
The stands are split approximately equally between companies operating in the mechanical engineering and electronics sectors . Although the technologies and industries covered are different , there are no barriers between the various areas , allowing people to move freely between the stands and perhaps discover products and services they were not expecting . Technology Trails grouping firms with expertise in particular areas help to speed visitors ’ progress around the aisles .
It is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the design , production , procurement or management . With so many companies operating at the forefront of technology and innovating across a multitude of sectors , the show is an ideal venue for addressing multiple purchasing requirements efficiently , especially in times when supply chains are under pressure as they are today .
It is the place to source mechanical , electrical , electronic , electromechanical , hydraulic and pneumatic components and assemblies , surface mount technology , PCB manufacturing and box build services , controls , cables , cabinet assembly , mechatronics , plastic injection and rubber mouldings , connectors , sensors , drives , encoders , fasteners , pressings , wireforms , springs , gaskets , and more .
All the latest in machine tools , tooling , workholding and other production hardware will be in evidence , as well as test , measurement , inspection and metrology equipment , and other diverse technologies serving a wide range of industries including aerospace / defence , automotive , packaging , handling , logistics , energy , marine , medical / pharmaceutical , mechanical engineering , and metal processing . Additive manufacturing continues its progress towards becoming a mainstream production technique and there will be many exponents bringing visitors up to date with the latest techniques .
Other diverse offerings will include supply of materials including composites , business and manufacturing software , production and planning aids , oil and coolant supply , workshop equipment , dust and fume extraction , humidity control , workplace storage systems , bespoke case and foam manufacture , plastic packaging , injection moulding , hand tools , adhesives , industrial
6 PECM Issue 66