This year’s Machine Tools Africa (MTA) is set to showcase the latest technology developments, machinery, products, services and solutions, says event management company Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery portfolio director Charlene Hefer.

She adds that MTA is an industry showcase that is inclusive and reflective of the South African machine tools market.

The MTA, held every three years, was launched in association with the Machine Tools Merchants’ Association of South Africa (MTMA), and will be held at the Nasrec Expo Centre, in Johannesburg, from May 9 to 12.

“The exhibition not only provides a platform where MTMA can demonstrate its strength as an association but also ensures that buyers know that buying a machine from members of the MTMA means peace of mind for the machine tool buyer, as all MTMA members subscribe to a strict code of ethics designed to protect buyers,” Hefer explains.

MTMA chairperson Hans-Peter Neth adds that the industry is lively and that there are good companies supporting the industry.

“The support from the manufacturing partner of the local agents is of great importance, as they drive the technology and attendance by local players at international fairs,” notes Hefer.

Expo Experience

“Visitors, exhibitors and associations attending MTA this year will include all those involved across various sectors, including general mechanics, machine tools, mining, manufacturing, automotive, metallurgy, pulp and paper, engineering, aeronautics, aerospace, railways, energy, electronics and information technology,” Hefer adds.

She also enthuses that attending the event will be beneficial, as exhibitors will have the opportunity to engage with thousands of visitors and in face-to-face interactions with existing and potential new customers.

“It is expected that they will generate many sales leads over the four days, and off-the-floor sales could also be made at the event. Building brand awareness is also important,” she explains, adding that the MTA is also an opportunity for exhibitors to bring in large machinery for live demonstrations and to showcase their latest product offerings.

She notes that visitors will also benefit from the “vast knowledge” that can be gained by attending the event, including the opportunity to source new suppliers and compare machinery, tooling and accessories; build contacts, networking with industry peers, and listen to top speakers presenting during the free seminars.

Interactive displays at the MTA will include live demonstrations and technical presentations at exhibitor stands, as well as video presentations.

“It brings the machinery and tooling to life, and visitors can see its capabilities rather than just viewing it online or in sales brochures. Some examples include the launch of new computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathe and machining centres with the latest CNC control systems.

Further displays will include machines such as press brake, punching and laser cutting machines, bandsaws, tube bending machines and metrology equipment ranging from verniers to three-dimensional laser scanners and coordinate measuring machines.

Live cutting demonstrations will be held on many stands using most of the machines on display. “They will launch the latest technology in machining, turning, cutting and bending with technical presentations on each machine when cutting,” she highlights.

MTA 2017 is expecting more than 100 exhibitors – who will mainly be local machine tools suppliers, together with their international principals – and more than 8 000 visitors.

The expo will have representation from various industry associations such as the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering, the South African Capital Equipment Export Council, the Italian–South Africa Chamber of Trade and Industries and the Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Measurement and Control.