Manufacturing and engineering firms in the Midlands came together recently to showcase the strength of industry in the region.
The exhibition, organised by trade association Made in the Midlands, had more than 200 exhibitors from various sectors and a footfall of over 2000 delegates on the day.
One of the main attractions at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry was the Bloodhound SSC, which is set to travel to South Africa in May 2019 in preparation for its world land speed record attempt later that year. The supersonic car also aims to inspire the next generation to enjoy, explore and get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Several exhibitors were keen to show their passion for motorbikes. Banelec, one of the leading suppliers of control systems in the UK, showed off a Kawasaki H2 on its stand while De-Met, which specialise in sheet metal fabrication, laser cutting, welding, and powder coating, had a Suzuki GSXR-1000R race bike to help draw enthusiasts to its space at the show.
Jennie Banner, director at Banelec, said: “The Kawasaki helped attract more people to our stand and definitely earned its keep that day! It was a really good talking point for people we were speaking to and lots of interest as the fastest legal road bike you can get. The show was really good and we have had lots of positive feedback already.”
The 200+ manufacturers participating in the event were keen to demonstrate that the Midlands remains the engine room of the UK economy, producing high quality components for many of the crucially important supply chains such as those in automotive and aerospace. MIM, which is the largest manufacturing membership-led organisation in the region, represents the interests of more than 450 manufacturers throughout the Midlands.
Jason Pitt, CEO of Made in the Midlands, said: “Made in the Midlands is a unique community of like-minded companies with a shared interest in promoting Midlands industry and this exhibition is the jewel in our crown.”