With an annual added value of £8 billion, the UK automotive supply chain should be booming, but data from the SMMT shows that only half of this is being fulfilled, leaving £4 billion of potential for domestic Tier 1 suppliers.
‘Meet the Buyer’ enables automotive company buyers to meet new suppliers that fit a particular criteria through one-to-one pre-scheduled meetings. There are a range of companies participating in this event at the show, including: Aston Martin; Toyota; Bentley; Parker Hannifin; General Motors; Lear Corp; and many more.
Automechanika Birmingham currently boasts 232 key supply chain exhibitors, and vehicle manufacturers are enthusiastic about meeting new companies. Jaguar Land Rover says: “This is a great opportunity for our UK automotive suppliers and buyers to participate in the largest automotive-focused event in the UK, the like of which we haven’t seen in the UK for many years. We look forward to celebrating and building upon this success with our current suppliers and meeting new suppliers at Automechanika Birmingham this year.”
Nissan echoed the prospect of meeting new business partners: “Nissan fully supports the arrival of Automechanika Birmingham in June 2016 – an event dedicated to showcasing the UK’s automotive capabilities. With the recent announcement of the next generation Nissan Juke, this will be a good opportunity to discuss potential new partnerships and reinforce existing relationships.”
A list of components of interest to automotive firms has already been posted on the Automechanika Birmingham website.
Companies hoping to cash in include exhibitors such as: The Springmasters Group, incorporating Valley Springs and Belleville Springs, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of springs; Voith Industrial Services, which is about to open a new multi-million pound wheel and tyre assembly plant in Coventry; and JH Lavender & Co Ltd, which has recently committed to a £2 million-pound investment programme to ensure the company's future as one of the largest and most successful UK-based aluminium foundries.
