SouthMACH on track for May

SouthMACH, the region’s

largest trade exhibition for the Manufacturing, Engineering, Machinery and Electronics industries, returns to Christchurch this May and is set to be the ‘must attend event’ for 2017, say the organisers.

XPO Exhibitions ( XPO) says it is working hard to continue the growth of SouthMACH at a time when there’s a positive vibe in the manufacturing and engineering industry. On the back of a ‘great event’ in 2015 (the first under XPO’s new ownership) and a ‘ fantastic’ EMEX 2016 ( both of which experienced significant increases in exhibitor and visitor attendance), SouthMACH 2017 will be held at the Horncastle Arena, Addington, Christchurch, from 24-25 May. Showcasing the very latest innovations, equipment, technology, services and products to industry professionals, the event again will feature a comprehensive educational and professional development seminar series with keynote speakers and workshops, promises XPO.

This year’s event includes a number of soon-to- be-announced special features showcasing ‘amazing’ product innovations from the South Island’s leading Design and Manufacturing Companies. These companies are leading the world in technology advancement and innovation, states XPO, as well as providing an example of great collaboration between industrial designers and manufacturing industries.

The event organisers say SouthMACH 2017 is well on track to deliver a record number of exhibitors showcasing products and services that reach across the current themes within the technology sector such as Robotics and Automation, 3D Printing, Energy Efficiency and Industry 4.0. A full seminar program over the two days will touch on these themes and provide a forum for education, discussion and the sharing of knowledge and expertise, critical in the sustainability and growth of the industry.

Another important issue and a focus for SouthMACH 2017 is the shortage of skilled staff within the manufacturing industry in New Zealand and therefore business continuity and efficiency. With this in mind, Competenz (in collaboration with NZMEA) will be running apprenticeship ‘ best practice’ workshops on both days for employers to demystify the process of employing an apprentice. School leavers will also appreciate an increased awareness of this alternative pathway by participating in the speed interview sessions that will be part of the workshops.

SouthMACH 2017 is supported by more industry associations and professional bodies than ever, says XPO. The New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Maintenance Engineers Society of New Zealand and Canterbury University are now also joined by Callaghan Innovation. They all will bring their specific expertise to SouthMACH and are there to support the industry through sharing their knowledge and expertise.

If your customers are manufacturing or processing goods or services, using general engineering, machine and metalworking technology, plant automation & maintenance, engineering software and computerisation, welding, cutting and plastics engineering, fluid engineering or measurement, control and instrumentation, SouthMACH 2017 offers opportunities you can’t afford to miss, promises XPO, adding that SouthMACH 17 will provide an effective, engaging and dynamic forum allowing those in the industry to connect and grow, and in doing so, foster the growth and development of many of the South Island’s and New Zealand’s manufacturing, engineering and technology-associated businesses.

Prime locations are limited.