The UK ’ s premier engineering show – an unmissable event
SHOW PREVIEW SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING & ELECTRONICS TRADE FAIR
SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING & ELECTRONICS
The UK ’ s premier engineering show – an unmissable event
Advanced technology from mechanical engineering and electrical / electronic industries in approximately equal measure awaits visitors to the next Southern Manufacturing & Electronics trade fair , which will take place from 4th to 6th February 2025 at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre . The event is on track to be a sell-out , according to the new owner of the show , Easyfairs , with more than 500 stands expected to be booked for the first time . The larger number of exhibitors will create an even more dynamic and informative environment for visitors , allowing people to explore a greater variety of products and services .
The abundance of new engineering technology across such a wide spectrum of technologies makes the venue highly functional for anyone involved in design , manufacture , procurement , training or management looking to source multiple products and services in a time-efficient way . Although the industries represented throughout the hall are multifaceted , there are no barriers between the areas , allowing easy cross-over between the different disciplines . Many of the 9,000 + visitors each year say it is an aspect of the show that is particularly useful , as it encourages a wide-ranging itinerary around the stands , often leading to discovery of firms specialising in technologies that would otherwise probably not be encountered .
Widely regarded as the largest and most comprehensive annual industrial expo in the UK , as well as being a major global showcase for engineering and manufacturing technology , the event moved to its present location in 2008 and was the first to be held in the new , world-class exhibition centre when it was built a decade later . The show is important enough to attract big-name manufacturers , but is also very accessible to the rich ecosystem of engineering SMEs , as the organisers operate a policy of open access discouraging larger firms from dominating the space to the detriment of smaller vendors . Easyfairs says that it intends to maintain the intimate look and feel of the exhibition , which is a defining quality that gives it a unique , vibrant
atmosphere fostering collaboration , learning and discovery . Testament to its effectiveness as a place to do business is the very high rate of return stand bookings . Many participants are regular returnees and some have supported the show since it started in 1997 .
This year ’ s event will reflect the ongoing growth in digitalisation of production , a prevalence in Industry 4.0 manufacturing systems , an emphasis on reshoring of production , plus new ecological technologies such as green energy generation , power-saving machinery and efficient under-floor heating . On the mechanical engineering side , there will be the latest machine tools , tooling , workholding and other production hardware , plus suppliers of castings , plastic injection and rubber mouldings , fasteners , pressings , wire forms , springs and gaskets . On the electronics side , featured will be PCB design and manufacture , box build services , cables and connectors . Spanning both disciplines will be mechatronics assembly , electromechanical components and systems , controls , displays , HMIs and data acquisition systems ,
48 PECM Issue 72