Southern Manufacturing 2015 returns to FIVE, Farnborough

For machine builders and system integrators the continual challenge of finding the most cost-effective way to address design tasks means that keeping abreast of advances in components and sub-assemblies is a significant aspect of their jobs. Southern Manufacturing and Electronics, with its wide choice of vendors in one place, has invariably proved a very beneficial showcase for that reason. But with the transition to a three-day format encouraging a host of additional international exhibitors, its significance has risen even more.

Southern Manufacturing is the first big industrial show of the year and unquestionably one of the UK's most important. Adding another day to the event is a significant advance in the show's 20-year history. A longer run makes the event considerably more attractive to overseas exhibitors and, as a result, an unprecedented number of international firms will be attending the 2015 show. For visitors, along with its already comprehensive list of exhibitors, this gives a useful opportunity to meet an increased number of worldwide companies and experience world-class demonstrations and product introductions in one easy visit.

The widening of the show's dedicated core of usual exhibitors to incorporate firms who are first-time or occasional visitors to these shores makes sure that even if you are an experienced visitor, there will unquestionably be a great deal of interesting businesses to discover. A few of the prominent firms include German firm Cosel Europe, with its range of AC/DC power supplies. From further afield, Japan's Furukawa Electric Co will feature its cabling and wiring products, and Lodestar Pacific from the USA brings its selection of toroid mounts and wound component parts to Farnborough for the first time. From Taiwan, Hiwin Technology Corporation will introduce its range of linear motion systems.

UK-based suppliers

But despite this growing international element, UK-based engineering continues to be the show's chief focal point. At Southern Manufacturing, visitors will find an extraordinary assortment of suppliers from virtually every sector of industrial activity collected in a single place. The major players are definitely in evidence; nevertheless, the format of the event makes it particularly well suited to the requirements of the medium and small-sized firms that are the bedrock of the UK's engineering sector, providing many with their only annual showcasing opportunity. Because of this, it is likely that visitors will find interesting enterprises that are unfamiliar to them - not to mention the benefit of having the opportunity to connect with this vast assortment of vendors in a single day or less.

Sited near the M3 in Hampshire and well served by public transport, Southern Manufacturing is relatively easy to get to, and now with an extra day available, attendees have a lot more flexibility in how they time their visits. Within the show itself, Technology Trails guide visitors around the main show areas, enabling them to make the very best use of time at the exhibition. A new internal layout is designed to further improve traffic around the event.

Free seminars

Along with the exhibition and demonstration areas, the show's free seminar programme is unquestionably a hugely popular draw. Two programmes run in tandem in two theatres, focusing on manufacturing and electronics, respectively, encompassing discussions on technical breakthroughs, commercial management, marketing, and also current business legislation. Totally free access to this sort of high-calibre engineering and business resource is an extra, powerful reason for machine builders to visit the show.

Admission to the show and also the technical workshops is free to business visitors, and FIVE Farnborough has ample complementary vehicle parking and simple access by road or public transport. To register for tickets, simply visit www.industrysouth.co.uk. Show visitors can keep up to date with event and exhibitor news by visiting the show's official blog, blog.industrysouth.co.uk, or by joining the show's official group on the popular business networking site, LinkedIn.