In the opinion of Hurco Europe, one of the exhibitors at the Southern Manufacturing exhibition earlier this month, the show certainly delivered in terms of visitor footfall and customer enquiries.Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Southern Manufacturing was a record-breaker in terms of attendance, with 9144 visitors welcomed through the doors. This increase in footfall was reflected in people coming on the Hurco stand. More than 80 enquiries were booked over the three days, of which 20% were new contacts.

David Waghorn, managing director of Hurco Europe says: “In a non-MACH year especially, Southern Manufacturing is proving to be a significant event for UK manufacturing industry. Recent improvements to the road access and venue have guaranteed a better experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. We had no hesitation in rebooking the same space for 2024.”
For further information www.hurco.co.uk

Vollmer has appointed Martyn Cross as its new managing director of the UK subsidiary. In the interim he will working alongside long-standing managing director Peter Allen.Since the end of 2012, Allen has filled two roles as both managing director atVollmer UK and president at Vollmer of America. With the recent construction of a new facility at Vollmer of America, Allen has made the conscious decision to focus his attention on the potential of the North American market. Following a handover period, the company will have in Cross a dedicated UK managing director with decades of expertise in the manufacturing sector.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

Bentley Motors has started building its new Launch Quality Centre and Engineering Technical Centre. The new facility at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, will be integral to the company’s preparations for future battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) production and will set a new benchmark in next-generation, digital, flexible and high-value manufacturing operations. Taking a first step, the new buildings will include a replica BEV assembly line as preparation for the introduction of Bentley’s first BEV in 2026. The hub includes a software integration centre, prototype workshop and a metrology testing facility.
For further information www.bentleymotors.com