Member Article

Oktoberfest exhibitor urges firms to attend prestigious event

A COMPANY which scooped a significant contract on the back of an annual manufacturing event has urged other firms to get on board when it returns to the region later this year.

Darlington-based E-Max Systems joined over 150 other firms at Durham Oktoberfest, the annual networking event which celebrates the North East’s world class engineering and manufacturing strengths and capabilities.

E-Max has exhibited at the event every year since 2009 and believes it is a must for companies who are keen to meet potential suppliers and customers.

Commercial Director Zeynel Badak said: “We have won numerous contracts as a result of Durham Oktoberfest over the years.

“It really is the perfect platform for us as we know we’ll have the opportunity to meet businesses who could potentially become our customers – and that’s why we come back every year.

“The calibre of businesses that attend is particularly high and I think that’s why so many employers from the region support it. We will certainly be back this year and would urge other employers to do the same.”

Around 1,000 delegates and exhibitors from both SMEs and larger North East employers gathered at the Xcel Centre in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, for last year’s Durham Oktoberfest.

Companies including Cummins, Parker Hannifin, Nifco, Seaward Electronic, the Ministry of Defence and Gardner Denver were among those present.

David Land, Chairman of the County Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Network (CDEMN), which organises Oktoberfest, said: “Every year we hear from companies like E-Max Systems who secure new customers and contracts as a result of attending the event, which is what it’s all about.

“What makes Oktoberfest one of the highlights of the region’s manufacturing and engineering calendar is that we attract big companies who are keen to speak to potential suppliers – so many of the smaller firms who attend know they have a real chance of coming away with work.”

Durham Oktoberfest 2016 takes place on Thursday, October 20, and already dozens of businesses have booked their slots.

Business Durham is once again this year’s gold sponsor, while the silver sponsors are Altec Engineering, Samuel Grant Packaging, Hitachi Tool, and Stadium Export Services.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Felicity Collinson .