The highly anticipated Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024 exhibition will open its doors from 6th to 8th February, promising an exceptional showcase of cutting-edge technology and innovation. Next year’s event is experiencing unprecedented international interest and a large number of enquiries from overseas companies, placing the show firmly on the global stage.

It has evolved into a leading venue for engineering excellence, encompassing both the mechanical and electronics sectors and spanning hardware and software sales, component distribution, and a multitude of other products and services. It is the most comprehensive and important annual industrial exhibition in the UK, making it a vital event for anyone involved in design, production or procurement.

A feature of Southern Manufacturing & Electronics is its accessibility to both big-name manufacturers and small to medium sized enterprises. The show encourages open access, preventing larger firms from dominating the space, fostering a unique and lively atmosphere. The approach has been rewarded by a very high rate of repeat bookings over the years, with many participants having been part of the show since the start in 1997.

An interesting facet is that although the various technologies on offer and industries involved are enormously varied, there is no physical demarcation between the different areas, allowing cross-over between the engineering disciplines. Some visitors say this is one of the show’s principal attractions, as it leads to discovery of companies that would not normally be encountered. Technology Trails guide visitors around the event, grouping firms having expertise in particular areas.

There will be a strong line-up of machine tool companies taking stands, with Ajax, Bruderer, Chester, Colchester, Matsuura, Mazak, Mills, XYZ and YMT already confirmed attendees. Additive-X, Creat3D and Matsuura will be among those flying the flag for additive manufacturing, 1st MTA and Thame are two of the firms offering workholding, and Aberlink, Keyence, LK, Mitutoyo, Optimax, Vision Engineering and Zeiss will be representing the inspection and measurement fraternity. There will additionally be a strong cohort of firms offering subcontracting services, from sheet metalworking and fabrication to metalcutting, assembly, finishing, reverse engineering and metrology.

Automation will feature prominently at the 2024 exhibition, responding to the challenges posed by a skills shortage in the UK and Europe. In evidence will be themes like Industry 4.0, cobots, reshoring of production and green energy. Beyond automation, the exhibition boasts a diverse array of products and services essential for running manufacturing businesses, including oil and coolant, workshop equipment, hand tools, dust and fume extraction, humidity control, workplace storage systems, bespoke case and foam manufacture, plastic packaging, adhesives, waste removal and recycling, freight services and financial consultancy.

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics has gained a reputation for its informative and engaging seminar programme. Already scheduled are lectures on improving customer relations, how to enhance sales performance, CE and UKCA marking compliance, sustainable practices in manufacturing, management skills coaching including how to address the challenges of hybrid working, digital process management, and finance.

The show will co-locate again with AutoAero, a specialised theme within the exhibition focusing on aerospace and automotive engineering, adding even more depth to the event. Visitors will find access convenient thanks to ample parking on site and excellent road and public transport links. A complimentary bus service runs between Farnborough’s Main and North Camp railway stations and the showground. Best of all, admission and parking are free of charge.

As anticipation for Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024 continues to build, those intending to visit can explore the current exhibitor list and obtain more information and tickets at www.industrysouth.co.uk