Auma, ACE/Micropul, Techmatic BSM, Bonfiglioli, Clyde Bergermann, Drytech, Dymot, Entramarc, Filtaflo, Flowseal, Hydromobile, Rand Blower, Scorpio and Uvex are the current members of an association of companies in various fields of the mechanical engineering industry. The association was born so long ago that nobody can remember exactly when it came into being.
There is evidence that the original members embarked on a 'road show' in 1995, but there are people who remember MEEE being in existence earlier than that. The constitution states that membership will be restricted to a maximum of 15 member companies, and that members with opposition products or services come to an agreement between themselves as to whether or not to display and promote them at each show.
The aim of the members of the original companies that formed this association was, and still is, to pool resources for marketing purposes but not for any profit. Towards the end of each calendar year the members decide which geographical areas or towns/cities (in southern Africa) that are experiencing a building/refurbishing of various facilities and which of these would be worthwhile to visit. The plan is to have between eight and 10 exhibitions in a year with major events (eg, Electra Mining) in this industry often forming one of the 8-10 planned shows.
Members share the cost of each exhibition equally, which makes these shows financially viable even for small companies. Each member company invites their own or prospective customers to the show and displays a small exhibition stand, or actual product along with banners and sometimes branded give-aways. Meetings are held when deemed necessary to discuss successes, challenges, future projects in the industry, and planning of future shows. This pooling of customers, suppliers, manufacturers, event co-ordination/management and finance, facilitates cross selling opportunities, and networking with companies that would normally not be easily accessible.
An administrator/planner/coordinator is contracted to arrange the shows, keep all members up to date with regards to information about exhibitions, budget and invoice for each show, and assist with branding, marketing and PR.
Dates of the exhibitions are as follows: May (day to be confirmed) - Richards Bay and Durban; 20 June - Vanderbijlpark; 25 July - Lephalale; August (day to be confirmed) - Johannesburg East; and October (day to be confirmed) - Witbank.
For more information contact Sue Morrell, MEEE, +27 (0) 82 468 6585, [email protected] or Graham Christie, +27 (0) 83 602 6545, [email protected]
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