Merging the worlds of mechanical engineering and electronics every year at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, Southern Manufacturing & Electronics is the UK's most comprehensive annual industrial exhibition. Next year’s event, which will take place from 6th to 8th February, will play a pivotal role as a pan-European showcase for cutting-edge technology.
From early beginnings in 1997, the show has progressed to become a truly international event and next year there will be more participation by overseas firms than ever before. As stand space was filling up so rapidly with several months to go, the organisers expanded the footprint to accommodate the demand.
Visitors will find many hundreds of stands packed with the latest machine tools, tooling, workholding equipment, automation, inspection and testing solutions, PCB design, business and engineering software, and myriad electromechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic components and equipment, plus subcontract manufacturing offerings of all types.
Other no less essential products and services on offer will encompass oil and coolant supply, workshop equipment, dust and fume extraction, humidity control, workplace storage systems, bespoke case and foam manufacture, plastic packaging, injection moulding, hand tools, adhesives, waste removal and recycling, training, freight services and both financial and legal consultancy. The show is likewise a great destination for researching production and planning aids. The incredibly diverse array of exhibitors allows attendees to tackle a multitude of sourcing issues in one visit.
In a world grappling with challenges such as skills shortage, supply chain disruptions, soaring energy costs and higher taxation, the exhibition will spotlight mitigating themes such as automation, Industry 4.0, reshoring of production, green energy, and power-saving machinery. Additive manufacturing, a technology evolving towards mainstream production, will also feature prominently.
As a complement to the exhibition, an extensive technical seminar programme will run over the three days. Presentations will cover a wide array of topics, one of which will feature Tim Harrison from The CE Marking Association, who will give a brief introduction to product compliance and the six steps necessary to fulfil the requirements. The talk will look at a some of the more common legislation as well as various nuances and pitfalls before focusing on Brexit and its impact on UK and European manufacturers, importers and distributors.
Anna Lothsson, who is sustainability director of NCAB, a leading producer of printed circuit boards, will review the steps the group is taking to create a more sustainable industry, while maintaining growth and profitability. She will explain how the company continuously works to optimise resource usage, minimise waste and decrease pollution. Her message to all manufacturers, particularly those in the electronics sector, is that adopting sustainable practices can lead to cost savings, increased efficiency and improved brand reputation, making it an economically viable choice.
Recognised for independent UKAS-accredited EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) and electrical safety testing, as well as offering IP (ingress protection) testing for products, Kiwa Electrical Compliance’s laboratory in Blackwood, South Wales has expanded its test services by uniting with RN Electronics. The company will be present to promote its merged and expanded offering, which means that EMC, radio and electrical safety testing can now be carried out under one roof, helping customers to meet the relevant EU directives and regulations for UKCA and CE marking.
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024 will co-locate with AutoAero, a specialised theme within the exhibition dedicated to aerospace and automotive engineering. Free admission and parking make this event easily accessible to all and a complimentary bus service runs between Farnborough’s railway stations and the showground. To stay updated on the event and access more information and tickets, visit www.industrysouth.co.uk
