The Main Chance01 February 2007

Timetable

What:
Maintec 2007

Where:
20-22 March, NEC, Birmingham

When:
Tuesday 20 March
10.00-16.00
Wednesday 21 March
10.00-16.00
Thursday 22 March
10.00-15.00

For some 30 years, the Maintec event has been focused on meeting the needs of maintenance professionals across industry, commerce and the public sector. In that time, it has grown from small table-top exhibits in an hotel room to a major niche exhibition of around 150 stands at the NEC, representing the leading national and international companies, and organisations serving the maintenance industry.

The range of exhibits has expanded enormously, too, reflecting developments in technology, and the ever-growing demands of UK and EU legislation, particularly in the areas of health & safety and the environment. The importance of energy efficiency has also been thrown into the spotlight in recent years, as a result of soaring costs and the need to cut carbon emissions. All of these elements are now part of the role of the maintenance engineer, and plant manager and their teams.

One area of extremely rapid technological growth in the field of condition monitoring is thermal imaging. Not long ago, these were very expensive, complicated and strictly for the elite, highly-trained few. While technical development still continues at the high end of the market, the versatility and time-saving features of IR cameras have driven a strong demand for much cheaper, simpler versions which could be rolled out to a far wider spectrum of maintenance staff. A wide range of thermographic equipment will be on display at Maintec 2007 to suit every pocket and application, along with other innovative condition monitoring equipment.

A similar transformation has taken place in computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS). Many CMMS are now web-enabled, again allowing a broader range of staff to access the system. Maintec exhibitors in this sector will be able to give advice and demonstrations to help visitors track down the right system.

Many of the less glamorous exhibits at Maintec still play a vital role in helping to ensure maintenance tasks are carried out in compliance with H&S legislation, covering areas such as safety flooring, high-speed industrial doors, water treatment, lighting and pipework, as well as buildings maintenance. A popular feature in 2006, which is being repeated this year, is Combustion Alley. Sponsored by the Combustion Engineering Association, the stands in this section will display the latest in energy-efficient boilers, burners and ancillary equipment, designed to help reduce energy bills.

Maintec has always been well supported by professional bodies. Along with the CEA, these include the Health & Safety Executive, Institution of Plant Engineers, Electrical Contractors Association and Society of Operations Engineers, as well as BCAS, the Society of Diagnostic Engineers and the British Institute of NDT. Plenty of sound advice will be available, as it will be the free technical workshops run by industry experts throughout the show.

To pre-register as a visitor, or to book the free workshops, visit www.maintenanceonline.co.uk where there is also a list of exhibitors

SOE

Related Websites
www.maintenanceonline.co.uk

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