W14 has been created using one of the world’s main wood machinery shows as a base. Most people in the industry are fully aware that this event is the focus for all machinery used by UK furniture and joinery manufacturers. However, W14 already contains even more material and components exhibitors than machinery suppliers, showing absolutely everything for the UK manufacturer.
The influx of major materials and components brands gives balance to the show and a genuinely must-see feel for joinery and furniture manufacturers. Visitors to W14 at the NEC this October will see a transformed event now reflecting the upswing which is being felt right across the industry.
Since the show’s owner, Huddlestone, acquired the event from WMSA in early 2010 there has been a determined drive to expand the appeal of the show from its pure machinery roots into the all-round manufacturers show to be seen this autumn. John Smith-Bodden, MD of Huddlestone, is pleased with the results of its investment throughout the recession. “The essential trick was to add in an equally significant materials and components content whilst still growing machinery exhibitors from across the world.”
A look at an exhibitor list bulging with market leaders, still six months out from the show, is clear evidence that the industry has a show of truly national status for furniture and joinery manufacturers. Most importantly it’s a sign that the moment for manufacturers to invest in their own businesses is now here. As with many UK manufacturing sectors, it’s time to use the latest in technology and materials to raise productivity and see a rapid payback. Now is also the moment to bring new product lines to a market which has been restrained for too long.
Amongst the new exhibitors at W14 is BA Components, guaranteed to bring a bustle to its entrance position at W14. One of the most requested areas in visitor feedback from previous shows has been that of doors. Looking at BA’s packed stand at KBB, major interest in its products could well be seen sitting within an impressive range at W14.
Blum certainly plans to create quite a stir with a few surprises at W14, promising new insights into this iconic company, well known to manufacturers and consumers alike.
Spanish components giant EMUCA will also show design-led components and lighting.
Edgebanding is an important area for design innovation and well-known names such as Ostermann, Proadec and Dölken major in an edgeband presence which reads like an industry who’s-who.
Isaac Lord and Formed are new components exhibitors this year, and major presence by Kingslide adds to the raft of new faces at W14.
David Clouting, on the other hand, has enjoyed its presence at W shows for some years now, quickly seeing them as a great route to UK manufacturers. Finishes sector show people, Movac has a big act to follow after its impressive W12 stand ... but expect it to do it!
Innovative products from the packing sector are already present with the international Packsize and Panotec companies, both certain to create new interest by bringing a whole new dimension to W14, and a new learning opportunity for visiting manufacturers.
Software of all types continues to grow and play a vital role in the exhibition. Joinerysoft has considerably raised its presence, and, across the various facets, W14 is already booked to play host to some 14 software companies in total, each one at the fore of innovation in its field.
The organiser can’t even begin to list the scope of the show here, but hopefully readers get the picture. W14 is so much more than machinery and will dwarf the highly successful W12 event. And of course visitors can also visit the Timber Expo show adjoining W14’s three halls. Visitors had all better wear comfortable shoes to move around, such will be the scale of the event from an industry which looks to be in very good shape indeed.
