Expanding significantly on the W10 event two years ago, W12, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from October 7-10, has been divided into specialist sections – one for machinery and technology and the other for materials, components and systems. Both have an important crossover contribution for visitors and, indeed, sectors such as the fast developing software industry will be represented in both shows.
Entry to both events is free for visitors and the seamless access to both show areas will make it easy for them to maximise the value of their time.
The foundations of the two shows are well established. The "W" events have run every two years since 1984 through periods of volatile economic conditions. Analysis of the visitors to the W10 show recorded an 11% increase in the number of new companies visiting. This indicated an increase in smaller, developing firms who are traditionally difficult to reach compared with the established volume producers. W12 will provide the interface for suppliers to meet, understand the aspirations and offer solutions to the woodworking companies of tomorrow.
The four days of W12 could steer the future of many companies. The large machinery manufacturers are planning new introductions across the board, including entry-level concepts that will offer production efficiencies previously only accessible via large machines.
Choice is going to be an important factor at a time when tight economic conditions mean that buyers must shop around. In this context Daltons Wadkin is introducing a range of machines that it has signed exclusively. Advanced Machinery Systems is introducing one of America’s most popular moulder brands to the UK and also reintroducing the famous Bursgreen brand. Weinig will debut its groundbreaking "Cube" PAR planer showing how this very fundamental machining process can still be tweaked and refined to get even better results. Many other new machines and software systems will be on show.
An important sector for factory and workshop managers is that of woodwaste-toenergy systems and, against the background of new and impending legislation, the whole biomass question. Several expert advisers and solution suppliers will exhibit.
In the Working with Design section, new exhibitor Curvomatic will enter a new product for creating moulded sections for solid surface and other materials into the inaugural Design in Manufacturing Awards (DIMA). Multinational board manufacturer FINSA will enter a
new board for furniture manufacturers, developed with German chemical giant BASF to offer weight saving of 20% and a highly superior performance. Coating expert Movac will also enter a new water-based, high stainresistant coating.
W12 organisers have made a major stride forward with the introduction of two free Presentation Theatres for exhibitors to hold product presentations and launches as well as mini-seminars. The uptake for the time slots over the four days has been nothing short of phenomenal and visitors will now have free access to 60 of these seminars and presentations, which will involve speakers and experts from around the world (visit www.w12exhibition.com to see the full schedule of times and subjects). This is a unique opportunity for W12 visitors to tap into an unprecedented level of knowledge and number of ideas and discuss them with the proponents on a face-to-face and individual basis. The W12 organisers are committed to maintaining and growing both these vital industry exhibitions and plans for W14 have already taken encouraging shape as companies throughout the UK and beyond are now clearly recognising the opportunity to meet the market face to face.
The location of the NEC near Birmingham provides visitors with the optimal site for access from any part of the country. It is central, with the best possible motorway links as well as direct rail to the NEC and flights to Birmingham International. There is a direct and regular shuttle transfer to the exhibition halls, and for visitors who are driving, W12 parking is free.
As the exhibition date gets closer, one thing has clearly emerged – this is going to be one of the most important, interactive and dynamic events for the industry in two years. It is certainly not to be missed.
