BFPA members attend the British Pavilion at the Hannover Motion, Drive & Automation Show (a new show is announced…)

28 Apr 2017

BFPA CEO, Chris Buxton reports from the BFPA stand at Europe’s largest show for those involved in Fluid Power and wider Motion Control.

If anyone has concerns that the recent decision for Britain to leave the EU would have a negative impact upon the levels of interest shown in UK companies at the Hanover show may take comfort in the fact that the event been a great success for the BFPA membership. Although a small group of six companies, all attendees have reported high enquiry levels and great optimism as regards likely conversion rates. Particular mention has been made of the high quality of enquiries that have been received. Speaking of his experiences Jason Flanagan, Sales Director of Abbey Seals stated, “…this is probably the best exhibition that we have ever done and it will undoubtedly have a profound impact upon our business!”  Martin Cuthbert, MD of Webtec expressed similar sentiments stating, “…this is by far the best Hanover Show that we have attended with high levels of interest across a wide range of sectors.” All pavilion members expressed their appreciation of the added benefits of being a part of a group with a prime location and clear British branding.

The staff of the Hannover Messe introduced a little controversy when they announced that from next year (2018), the MDA Show is going to be merged with the Hannover Industrial Automation Show to create an all new event called ‘INTEGRATED AUTOMATION MOTION AND DRIVES’ (IAMD).

Christian Kienzle, Chairman of the Fluid Power Association within VDMA (the German Engineering Federation) and CEO of the Argo-Hytos Group said of the new initiative: “Transmission and fluid power systems play a key role in engineering performance. With digitalization, these systems have now also become important data sources. Two years are an eternity in the age of digitalization. That’s why it’s important that we have the opportunity to put our latest solutions in front of customers without undue delay,”

The Messe promotional flyer (below), also seeks to remind the industry of the dramatic technological convergence and the importance of following the market trends towards more generic motion control.

Along the entire value chain, industrial sectors and systems are becoming increasingly integrated. The trend towards connectivity and built-in intelligence has resulted in ever-shorter innovation cycles. At the same time there is a growing demand for total solutions geared to practical operating requirements. HANNOVER MESSE has made structural changes in response to these developments. They believe that the amalgamation of Industrial Automation and MDA will create a global hotspot for smart manufacturing solutions designed for the factory of the future.

Many members have asked whether or not the new event will provide the relevant platform for their products. The answer to this question is ‘Yes’ but it will also provide a more modern context for their stands which recognises the current changes in the market. There have also been questions asked whether or not BFPA will be attending what has now turned into an annual show. At this stage we will, as always, be driven by the wishes of the membership but it is unlikely that we shall change our bi-ennial approach of attending every other year. This is especially the case given that the FPS Show is also held in the Spring on a bi-ennial basis and appeals to the domestic focus of most BFPA members. As your trade Association we will of-course keep members informed of new developments as they arise.