Exhibition expects 5000-plus visitors

An European Trade and Exhibition Services product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 10, 2006

The forthcoming Southern Manufacturing and Electronics Exhibition looks like being the most exciting yet.

The forthcoming Southern Manufacturing and Electronics Exhibition looks like being the most exciting yet.

Show organisers report record levels of interest being generated from visitors and exhibitors alike.

With a large number of high-calibre exhibitors and attractions already confirmed for the event, it's not hard to see why an expected 5000-plus visitors will be heading for the shows, at Surrey's Thorpe Park on 8th and 9th February 2006.

Over 400 companies from a wide range of engineering, manufacturing and electronics, disciplines will be exhibiting their wares at the exhibition.

The unique colocation of events means visitors can make the most efficient use of their valuable time by seeing - under the one roof - a complete range of essential components, processes and manufacturing technology.

On display will be the latest in factory and process automation, CNC machining and tooling, packaging and handling, electronic components, assemblies and enclosures, labelling and marking, control and motion engineering, design and rapid prototyping, test and measurement, pressings, castings and mouldings, fabrication and fastenings, new materials and high precision engineering.

A series of "technology trails" makes it even easier for visitors to find the products and services relevant to their businesses.

This year's trails serve visitors from the following sectors: aerospace/defence, autosport/automotive, electronics, packaging/labelling, marine/offshore and pharmabio.

Along with hundreds of top-flight exhibitors, several leading trade associations and manufacturing bodies will be represented at Southern Manufacturing, including the Engineering Industries Association (EIA), the British Engineering Manufacturers Association (BEMA), The Gauge and Tool Makers Association (GTMA) together with Engineering Link London and South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).

Other attractions include dedicated product centres for machine tools, test and measurement, motion control, tooling and subcontracting, storage and handling and electronics.

The show also features products from 30 leading West Midlands based automotive component manufacturers under the "Accelerate Programme" banner.

Accelerate is the West Midlands business support agency delivering automotive supply chain improvement initiatives under its slogan "driving excellence".

The ever-popular free seminar programme is the most informative and wide-ranging yet.

Supported by the Manufacturing Advisory Service - South East (MAS-SE), this year's Southern Manufacturing programme covers such diverse topics as "Understanding six sigma", "Supplying to the automotive, aerospace and defence industries", "Machine safety", "CE marking" and several sessions on improving manufacturing efficiency.

Reflecting the demand for information and guidance on the latest Lead-Free techniques in the run-up to July 2006, Southern Electronics 2006 with sponsors SMS Electronics and Electronic Sourcing, will again be hosting a series of seminars focusing on both the regulatory and technical aspects of the forthcoming Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regulations.

As in previous years, attendance at these authoritative hourly seminars will be completely free for visitors and exhibitors, and an outstanding opportunity to help prepare your business for July 2006.

Following the success of last year's programme, Southern Electronics 2006 has once again enlisted the expert assistance of Alan Brewin of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Materials Centre, who together with a distinguished panel of industry authorities, will present a full programme of seminars covering many aspects of lead-free production.

Technical topics discussed will include, among others, PCB selection, lead-free fluxes, circuit design and inspecting lead-free joints.

Business and regulatory topics covered will include achieving RoHS compliance, controlling costs and managing supply chain logistics.

Southern Manufacturing and Electronics 2006 is an event no buyer, engineering or manufacturing professional can afford to miss.

Entry to both shows is free, with easy road access via junctions 11 or 13 of the M25, free parking and frequent courtesy coach transfers from Staines railway station.

Visitor pre-registration for the event and seminars is available online.