Advanced Engineering 2017 has become the hub for the variety of sectors that rely on advanced engineering. The show, the largest free-to-attend open conference of its kind, takes place on 1-2 November, at the NEC Birmingham.
Industrial manufacturing is on the rise in the UK and this year several forecasters, including The Manufacturer and PWC, are suggesting growth of more than three per cent. Manufacturing employs 2.7 million people and contributes 45 per cent of the UK’s total exports, according to the EEF.
These figures are a stark reminder that industrial manufacturing is a vital component of the UK economy. In addition, connected factories are helping to increase efficiency, with 85 per cent of industrial manufacturers already adapting to Industry 4.0.
Specialists within factory equipment and industrial machining can be networking with many of the leading engineering companies in the country at Advanced Engineering 2017, the UK’s largest meeting place for engineers, factory equipment and machining specialists. This includes 700 firms that are exhibiting, as well as thousands of visitors.
Advanced Engineering 2017 is the place where the UK supply chain meets face-to-face with engineering management.
Registration numbers for visitors this year are nearly 50 per cent more than at the same time last year; they will be coming from a range of engineering specialisms, including; measurements & monitoring, process control, drives and controls, sensors and systems, automation, fluid handling, food processing, machining and many more from a range of sectors.
Alison Willis, industrial divisional director at Easyfairs, organisers of the Show, says: “We’re very excited about this year’s exhibition. With the industrial manufacturing market growing strongly, Advanced Engineering 2017 is the place to find new suppliers and customers, and meet with existing contacts, to make this growth continue.
“We will bring together the latest advances in engineering, and just importantly the experts on topics that are consistently discussed within the specialist media.”
Whether you are a visitor or an exhibitor, Advanced Engineering will not only provide you with a business forum and supply chain showcase for your own sector, but will also introduce you to new opportunities in industries using related technologies and services.
five co-located zones
• Aero Engineering
• Composites Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Performance Metals Engineering
• NEW – Connected Manufacturing
One of the hubs that is being expanded this year is Enabling Innovation, hosted by Magna International, a global automotive supplier. This is a dedicated area for up to 50 carefully selected SMEs and micro businesses that are at the early stages of their development, perhaps prototyping.
And new this year is the Connected Manufacturing zone, which will catalyse the business and technology opportunities between innovators, customers and suppliers – including those within big data, automation and more. This marks a significant step in the revolution of Industry 4.0.
The keynote speakers for Advanced Engineering 2017 open-conference have also been announced and will include representatives from major OEMs and niche SMEs. Topics will include how specific engineering problems have been overcome, as well as more strategic issues such as the fourth industrial revolution, Brexit, additive manufacturing and advances in aluminium engineering. Issues that will be covered include:
Airbus – The wing of the future; EEF – Overview of the current UK manufacturing environment and the effect of Brexit; ADS – Insight into digital manufacturing; The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) – Power electronics; Magna International – Industry 4.0 from a connected manufacturing viewpoint; and GKN and Meggitt Modular Modifiable Manufacturing (M4) – Manufacturing within aerospace engineering.
Advanced Engineering 2017 has also announced a competition to all exhibitors with prizes for those who bring the most visitors to the 2017 show through registering using their trackable link. The two exhibitors that bring the most visitors will win a free six-square-metre stand at the 2018 show and a free full-page advert in the 2018 show guide.
For more information on the Advanced Engineering show, or to secure your free ticket to the event, visit: www.advancedengineeringuk.com or on Twitter via #AEUK17.
