The 2nd 7345 Plantworx Construction Machinery Show, which ran for three days, at the show’s new Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground home in County Leicestershire, England, has reported a record footfall of more than 14,000 visitors, up 18% on the inaugural 2013 event.
The show, which spanned 135,000m³ and was home to 344 exhibitors, was deemed a huge success.
Rob Oliver chief executive of the 7474 Construction Equipment Association (CEA), which promotes the event, said: “The aerial photos of the event are stunning, and underline the fact that we have created a show of substance and clear benefit to the UK construction market. I believe we have delivered on the promise of a show for the industry, by the industry with lots of business being conducted.
“We will study the detailed post-show responses, but the venue seemed to get strong thumbs-up from exhibitors and visitors. The quality of visitors set a new benchmark for the show.”
Rick Still 429 Hyundai's UK & Ireland sales manager said: “Hyundai's presence at Plantworx was felt throughout the whole of the UK's construction equipment community. Throughout the three days of the show the stand was a hive of activity with visitors. The demo plot was a big hit with operators queuing to try out our new range of machines which were well received by all. Our UK dealers were also present on the stand and met with customers nationwide many of which placed significant orders. Hyundai was honoured to be part of the UK's largest working construction event and would like to congratulate both the Plantworx and Hyundai teams in delivering what was a memorable and worthwhile event: we are looking forward to the 2017 show."
New exhibitor Norcar said: “It was an excellent show for Norcar UK and the newly appointed distributors confirm their sincere thanks to the dedicated Plantworx Team for their help and support, which was clearly above and beyond the call of duty.”
The show even attracted the attention of BBC TV’s Breakfast News who broadcast live from the event from 6am to 9am. BBC Breakfast reporter, Victoria Fritz donned a hard hat and hi-vis and interviewed leading figures from the construction equipment industry including Rob Oliver; Jacqui Miller, global marketing director 7088 Miller International; Paul McPherson, sales and marketing director 3652 Terex, and Nick Allen, managing director 473 Volvo Construction Equipment.
The programme was viewed by an estimated 1.5 million viewers and went along way to raising the profile of the CEA.
As well as trade visitors Plantworx opened its doors to students from local schools and colleges in the hope to encourage more youngsters into the construction equipment industry. Over 300 children attended the student event, and each was presented with a hi-vis jacket, supplied by Plantworx exhibitor Nylacast.
The 2017 event will take place on 6, 7 and 8, and while the venue is still to be confirmed, initial responses all point towards Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground again.
