National Manufacturing Week (NMW) returns to Sydney in May with a focus on innovation that helps industry work smarter rather than harder, says NMW Exhibition Director, Paul Baker.
Baker comments that the show theme responds to industry concerns identified in a recent survey of Australia’s top 300 manufacturers. NMW organisers, Reed Exhibitions, commissioned Micromex to conduct the survey, which found that manufacturers were acutely aware of the need to compete against new products emerging from around the world.
“It’s actually good news for the MHD sector, because – of all the investments a business can make – ones that help it move materials more efficiently will help boost overall performance. So we’re confident that manufacturers will visit NMW this year with a keen eye on the sorts of benefits that good MHD systems deliver.”
As Kevin Smith, General Manager at Millsom Materials Handling commented, “NMW is the one event at which you can demonstrate to many different industries.”
Smith adds that the ability to run demonstrations is a major plus, as it helps customers understand how using Millsom Materials Handling’s vacuum lifting and crane technologies can help lower labour costs, reduce OH&S issues and boost productivity.
“When customers have a hands-on go at our products, it helps them appreciate how easy it is for one person to do the lifting work of many,” said Smith. “It really proves the point.”
Dalmec’s National Sales Director, Andy Heard says that with the MHD sector becoming an increasingly competitive market – especially at the low-cost, bottom end of the market – Dalmec sees NMW as a good opportunity to find the right buyers for the company’s heavy-duty industrial pneumatic manipulators.
“There’s more and more pressure on customers to buy on price, which means that they can end up with a piece of equipment that burns out after six months’ heavy use. By being at the show, I can talk to customers about what their work cycles are, and point out to the customers who would be better off investing in Dalmec machines that are going to be still going in 15 or 18 years’ time.”
Heard also sees NMW as a means of reaching new prospects.
“I’ve had customers who I wouldn’t have expected to be at NMW walk up to our stand. They’ve come to look at a specific thing in one sector, and then take the opportunity to look around at what else is available. You can see some of them scratching their heads, thinking about how our machines would fit in to their business, and then we’ve got a new prospect.”
Millsom Hoists and Dalmec are among the companies that have already secured over 90% of available floorspace for NMW 2012.
“Due to demand, space availability has become limited, and so I suggest that anyone considering participating contact the NMW sales team to review the available options,” Baker concludes.
Visitor registration will be open in February 2012.