David Bell, a director at JCB and honorary president of the CEA commented, “I don’t think you can beat seeing machinery in the metal.”
He continued, “I think these are exciting times for construction machines,” and added that new technology, digitisation and telematics mean that equipment is more sophisticated than ever before.
By co-locating the Plantworx and new Railworx shows at the same event and with the benefit of the better exhibition facilities, the organisers are aiming for a target of 500 exhibitors. By comparison, the Plantworx 2017 show had nearly 400 exhibitors and attracted around 15,500 visitors, despite the poor weather conditions at the time. The combination of the co-location, more convenient showground and expected increase in exhibitor numbers are also expected to boost visitor attendance for 2019.
The purpose-built showground is located close to the city of Peterborough, with a road connection to the important A1 route. The organisers have also negotiated for a 30% reduction in rail fares to the nearby Peterborough station and will provide a shuttle bus between the station and the showground.
Important features of the exhibition site included covered and open areas, permanent, all-weather accessways, machine demonstration areas, parking for 22,000 vehciles and good 4G and wifi coverage onsite.
In addition, the show organisers will run innovation awards across an array of categories, including efficiency, security and safety, engineering and commitment to skills and safety.