Increased interest in machine tools trade exhibition

14th October 2016 By: Victor Moolman - Creamer Media Writer

Increased interest in machine tools trade exhibition

ELECTRA MINING AFRICA 2016 The 2016 Electra Mining Africa exhibition was the first show since 2014 without the Machine Tools Africa show
Photo by: Duane Daws

With the machine tools market having grown significantly over the past few years, exhibition specialists Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery plans to expand Machine Tools Africa by extending it from one hall at the Nasrec exhibition centre, in Johannesburg, to two halls in 2017.

“Strong industry support for Machine Tools Africa 2017 has resulted in 71% of exhibition space having been sold already and further stands provisionally booked. With eight months to go, sales are on track and it is expected that the show will be sold out,” says Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery mining and industrial portfolio director Charlene Hefer.

Leading companies – such as mechanical engineering company TH Machine Tools, machining manufacturer Victor Fortune, machining manufacturer Retecon, machine tool manufacturer Puma Machine Tools, supplier of industrial machinery Potgieter Industrial Machinery, machine tool manufacturer Haas Factory Putlet, software company Mecad Systems, lubricant manufacturer Flexilube and international engineering company Siemens – have already booked.

“We have had further enquiries about the show from exhibitors at Electra Mining Africa 2016 and will continue to follow up over the next few weeks. Exhibitors had a positive experience at Electra Mining Africa 2016 and 40% of exhibitors have already booked for Electra Mining Africa 2018. Some exhibitors are looking for additional opportunities in 2017 and Machine Tools Africa is certainly a further platform to consider,” she explains.

Hefer further points out that Machine Tools Africa has a long history as a standalone show, which took place every four years from 1977 until 1997. The show attracted about 12 000 visitors a year and reached 15 000 m2 in size. Large pavilions were presented by countries including the UK, Germany and Italy.

However, after 1997, the downturn in the market made such a standalone event impossible and it was agreed not go ahead with a show in 2000.

She says that after market conditions had improved, it was decided to revive the show in 2004, but as a co-located show in Hall 9 at the Nasrec exhibition centre alongside Electra Mining Africa.

“An agreement was reached between the Machine Tools Merchants Association of South Africa (MTMA) and Specialised Exhibitions that Machine Tools Africa would be held every four years from 2004 alongside Electra Mining Africa and that it would be officially endorsed by the MTMA. Hall 9 was kept specifically for Machine Tools Africa and the show was well supported in 2004, 2008 and 2012,” she says.

Hefer explains that the Machine Tools Africa show was due to co-locate with Electra Mining Africa again this year, but MTMA members decided that the market was strong enough to support a standalone show. There was also not enough space at Electra Mining Africa to accommodate the growing machine tools market.

“A dedicated show with additional space would allow for participation across the many associated industries. It would also allow for industry-relevant content on the floor in the form of technical seminars, and for country pavilions to showcase new technology.”
Manufacturers and suppliers will showcase a range of machinery, tools, spares and technical support associated with the machine tools cycle at Machine Tools Africa.

She explains how this will include sheet metal and plate-processing machinery; metal tube and pipe-processing machinery; metal-forming and -cutting machine tools; machines for welding, and thermal and surface treatments; and special purpose machinery for electrical and hydraulic systems with mechanical-, hydraulic- and pneumatic-driven devices.

“In addition, foundry and forging technology and equipment, as well as bearing, gear-generating, mould-processing and manufacturing technology and equipment, will be showcased. Robotics, mechatronics, automation hardware and software, additive manufacturing technologies, assembling tools, parts and components, cutting tools and accessories, metrology, quality control, and systems for safety and environmental protection will also be in the spotlight,” says Hefer.

A series of technical seminars, free of charge, will be co-located with Machine Tools Africa 2017, which will enhance visitor experience and add value to the programme.

“Expos are very important and, despite tough times, people still need to trade and do business. We have a highly experienced team of people behind the Machine Tools Africa show and will do what we do best in creating a platform of opportunity for our exhibitors,” Hefer concludes.