NMW revamps for 2014

National Manufacturing Week (NMW) returns to the Sydney Showground from 13-16 May next year with a revamped look. A revised floorplan will provide more space to sectors and technologies that are driving industry growth, a record 15 product zones, the Ausplas exhibition and opportunities to connect directly with research providers at an R&D Hub.

NMW 2014 will introduce six new product zones focusing on the drivers of manufacturing innovation. These include the Digital and Additive Manufacturing sectors, and Machine Tools, which will have everything from CNC machining centres to laser equipment on active display. There will also be a new Engineering Services product zone, supported by Engineers Australia, which will present solutions for transforming manufacturing processes.

The other product zones have also been changed in line with industry developments. The Automation & Robotics area, for example, will include total solutions and collaborative robotics, while CleanTech (the former Sustainable Manufacturing Zone) will present a broader range of sustainable manufacturing technologies, focusing on products, processes and services helping manufacturers become more sustainable.

NMW 2014 will house an R&D Hub, in which industry can speak directly with research providers about their work and opportunities for collaboration and commercialisation. Three open-access ‘solutions theatres’ - for Digital Manufacturing, Health & Safety and Plastics - will showcase presentations and demonstrations by industry experts and selected exhibitors.

The event will also, for the first time in Sydney, be home to plastics tradeshow Ausplas. Held once every three years, Ausplas presents many significant innovations in Australia’s second-largest manufacturing industry sector.

Exhibition director Anthony Reed urged potential exhibitors to secure their place as soon as possible.

For further details, visit www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au.