Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2019 achieved a new record attendance, according to figures released by the organisers.
The show received a total of 8,644 unique visitors, an increase of around 13% on the previous year. Around 800 companies from all over the world took part in the event, fully occupying all the available exhibition space of the recently-opened 20,000m² Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Visitor statistics reveal significant increases in the number of visitors from the medical equipment, pharmaceutical and metal processing sectors. The largest increase was in visitors from the rail and public transportation sector, which leapt tenfold from 2018. Amongst the exhibiting firms, bookings from non-UK companies increased 26% over 2018, indicating continued confidence in the UK manufacturing sector, despite the current uncertainties.
Exit polls reveal that visitor interests remain broadly consistent with previous years, but with interest in assembly systems, automation & robotics, machine tools, tooling and inspection systems all showing positive growth. There was also heightened interest in the full range of subcontract services present at the show, including contract electronics manufacturing, fabrication, machining, laser processing and plastics.
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2020 returns to Farnborough International from February 11th to 13th 2020. Admission to the show is free.
